Caloocan sets ‘orange lane’ for sidewalk vendors

MANILA, Philippines - Caloocan City Mayor Oca Malapitan yesterday pushed for the strict implementation of the 450-meter ‘orange lane’ for sidewalk vendors along the stretch of Rizal Avenue Extension.

He said the experimental orange lane will separate the street vendors from the pedestrians.

“Among the main cause of traffic jams in the area are undisciplined sidewalk vendors and commuters, which we hope to address by our orange lane program. This will be strictly implemented by the Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management (DPSTM), which would also regulate the vending time of the street peddlers,” Malapitan said.

DPSTM chief Larry Castro said sidewalk hawkers will be allowed to sell their wares from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. only and failure to comply would result in the vendors not being allowed to sell their goods in the area.

Castro said the inner lane will be intended for pedestrians’ use, while the outer lane will be for street vendors along the northbound sidewalk.

The scheme is part of the local government’s plan to rid the city’s sidewalks and streets of obstructions.