CITOM revives towing of vehicles

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management will revive the towing of illegally-parked vehicles on roads and sidewalks that has contributed to the traffic congestion in the city.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo, chairman of the committee on traffic management, has already endorsed to the Cebu City Council the draft terms of reference for the accreditation of private towing services that will be hired by CITOM.

Carillo said it has been decided by the members of the CITOM Board chaired by Ruben Almendras that towing shall be revived to facilitate the removal of vehicles parked illegally in any parts of the city.

“Kinahanglan na g’yud karon nga ibalik nato ang towing of illegally-parked vehicles kay migrabe na ang illegal parking nga naka-contribute sa traffic problem,” said Almendras.

Since CITOM has only one tow truck, it needs to hire private towing companies to assist in the towing as defined under the provisions of the traffic ordinance of Cebu City.

Towing vehicles must have features like an American wheel lift system or any similar model, at least four cylinders, and a gross weight of at least 4,800 kilograms.

The tow truck must also be equipped with blinkers or flashing lights, dolly, and siren with a public address system that will inform a motorist of his violation before his vehicle is towed.

In case the vehicle is damaged during the towing operation, whether arising from CITOM responsibility or of the personnel of the accredited contractor, the contractor shall be the one responsible for the damages.

The driver of the tow trucks and the fuel shall be charged against the private contractor.

The sharing scheme was not yet included, though, in the draft terms of reference prepared by Carillo.

Towing of illegally parked vehicles was strictly implemented during the stint of former mayor Tomas Osmeña, but this was suspended when Mayor Michael Rama assumed office in the middle of 2010.  (FREEMAN)