PB backs measure vs trisikads with no lights

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board is supporting a proposed Talisay City ordinance which bans slow-moving vehicles without reflectors from using the streets at night.

"It has been noted that traffic accidents caused or involving non-motor vehicles, particularly trisikads, are remarkably increasing, especially during nighttime," read the approved resolution sponsored by PB member Julian Daan.

"As per observation of Socrates Fernandez who pushed this ordinance, it is imperative that (this) mode of transportation be regulated to further protect the life and limb of our constituents," it further read.

City Councilor Fernandez filed early this month Ordinance No. 2014-18-1 which proposed to ban on the streets non-motor vehicles that do not have illuminating devices.

Under the proposed ordinance, trisikad units should be installed with reflectors or battery-powered blinkers on the front and back so they will be seen by others during nighttime.

"A number of traffic accidents [have] caused casualties, collisions or hitting involving trisikad that pass some of our streets during evening. The main cause was  trisikads moving our streets in the evening without lights or any indication that these trisikads are there or are passing," Fernandez said.

Fernandez is Talisay City Council's chairman of the committee on laws.

"All trisikad drivers shall observe this ordinance as one of accident preventions to report immediately to City of Talisay-Traffic Operation Development Authority for record purposes once reflectors or blinkers are installed," he added.

Violations will carry corresponding penalties. First-time offenders may claim their confiscated vehicle only upon payment of a P300 fine and presentation of reflector materials to be mounted on the vehicle.

Second-time offenders shall pay a P500 fine and be required to install the reflector on the vehicle, while third-time offenders shall be fined P1,000 or be meted a week-long jail term, or both, at the discretion of the court.

On the fourth violation, the owner of the trisikad shall be ordered cessation and disallowed to operate any trisikad units.

 The said proposal was referred to the Committee on Laws for study. (FREEMAN)