QC set to implement new traffic code

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has ordered the full implementation of the new Traffic Management Code starting next month to ease vehicular traffic and minimize road accidents in various parts of the city.

In a directive to Manuel Sabalza, deputy city administrator for external affairs, and Chief of the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), the mayor said the local traffic code, which was signed into law last year, will be implemented after the rules and regulations are finalized.

Under the new code, the task of managing traffic and apprehending violators will be taken over by the city government from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Sabalza said a total of 397 traffic enforcers will be deployed by the DPOS by Sept. 15, the target date for the full implementation of the traffic code.

"We are ready to assume the task of traffic management all over the city," he said.

Sabalza said under the new traffic code, ordinance violation receipts (OVRs) will be issued to violators, who will have to pay corresponding fines to the city government.

The DPOS has also begun conducting seminars and training sessions for new traffic enforcers to make them more effective in performing their traffic management functions.

The city government will also conduct a massive information drive on the new traffic code, particularly on the identification of one-way roads to avoid confusion among motorists.

City and police officials are optimistic that strict enforcement of new traffic code will lessen not only traffic violations, but also road accidents in the city.