Counterflowing crackdown begins

CEBU, Philippines — The first day of the strict implementation of the “no counterflowing” scheme in Cebu City’s south district led to the apprehension of at least five motorcycles yesterday.

Executive Order No. 34, which penalizes counterflowing, is being strictly enforced in Cebu City’s southern corridor, which is experiencing congestions these days due to the ongoing construction of an underpass on N. Bacalso Avenue.

Cebu City Traffic Office operations chief Francisco “Isko” Ouano told reporters yesterday that the apprehended motorcycles were caught violating the anti-counterflowing policy along F. Llamas Street in Barangay Punta Princesa.

F. Llamas is among the identified diversion routes in the south district following the partial closure of N. Bacalso.

“Isa na siya tungod sa kalapad sa dalan. Ang mga sakyanan mo-consider na sila nga mo-counterflow tungod sa kadako sa dalan,” Ouano said.

The apprehended vehicles will be kept at the Big Foot Studio at South Road Properties for 60 days. Apart from impoundment, owners will also pay a fine of P500.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña on Monday directed the traffic office to enforce the executive order to help alleviate the monstrous traffic in the south due to underpass project, which is targeted to finish by end of this year yet.

The mayor believes that driving into the traffic that flows in the opposite direction is one of the factors contributing to traffic congestions.

Aside from F. Llamas Street, the anti-counterflowing policy also covers N. Bacalso Avenue, Tagunol Street, Caimito Street, E. Sabellano Street, Ganciang Street, among others.

Since the underpass construction began, CCTO has implemented a new traffic scheme in south district. The southbound lane of N. Bacalso Avenue is exclusive for vehicles heading to north.

All southbound vehicles are directed to pass through the identified alternate routes. All northbound and southbound buses, minibuses, and delivery trucks will have to pass Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR).

He said heavy traffic occurs during peak hours from 7 a. m. to 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. to 8 p. m.

At a press conference yesterday, Osmeña said the traffic situation in the south has eased compared to the past few days. (FREEMAN)