49 caught violating APEC truck ban

CEBU, Philippines- Forty nine truck drivers have been issued with citation tickets since the start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings here for violating the truck ban along the ceremonial routes.

“This (truck ban) was strictly implemented (in) pursuant to Memorandum Order 20150167 issued by the city mayor mandating the truck ban in Cebu City on August 22 to September 5,” said lawyer Rey Gealon, executive director of the Cebu City Transportation Office.

The ban is in place from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The order further mandates that trucks are not allowed to pass through the priority roads such as Juan Luna Avenue to Salinas Drive; Salinas Drive to Veterans Drive; and Juan Luna Avenue corner Archbishop Reyes to Gorordo or Archbishop Reyes.

Last Saturday, 42 truck drivers were issued with citation tickets while seven others were issued with the tickets yesterday.

Gealon said trucks are a contributory factor in traffic congestion because of their length and size.   The ban has been put in place to allow APEC delegates to transfer from one meeting venue to another smoothly, as recommended by APEC’s Local Organizing Committee.

Still to help ensure smoother traffic flow, at least 86 barangay police enforcers have been deployed in the streets to assist traffic enforcers, Gealon said.

Meanwhile, Gealon said radio transmission on the field remains active and motorized personnel have continuously joined convoys of delegates with intersections manned properly and adequately.  (FREEMAN)