PB to LGUs: Review truck ban schedule

CEBU, Philippines — In an effort to decongest the heavy traffic situation experienced by key areas in Metropolitan Cebu, the Province of Cebu has urged local government units (LGU) to review their respective ordinances on truck ban.

Through a resolution filed by ex officio Board Member Francis Salimbangon, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu has encouraged cities and municipalities to harmonize and reassess their existing laws banning trucks, so as to ease the traffic buildup in Metro Cebu.

“Most of the complaints received are rooted primarily on the congestion caused by trailer trucks (which), aside from causing accidents among pedestrians, also cause heavy vehicle jams borne out from seemingly unsynchronized schedule of truck bans of the different cities and municipalities in Metro Cebu,” the resolution reads.

The resolution cited the current truck ban schedules of major cities in metro Cebu.

This includes Talisay City’s truck ban on Mondays through Friday at 6 am to 8 am and 4 pm to 7 pm, while Cebu City and Mandaue City’s truck ban is on Mondays through Saturdays at 6 am to 8 am and 4 pm to 7 pm.

While Talisay disallows trucks on weekdays alone, Cebu and Mandaue extends its ban on Saturdays as well.

This, as Salimbangon pointed out in his resolution, is a point that needs to be synchronized.

“With the truck ban that is in effect in the said cities, it is clear that trucks plying Talisay on a Saturday will have to yield to the truck ban Cebu City and Mandaue City imposes on the said day,” read the resolution.

Provincial Board, in its session last September 30, has approved the rsolution.

Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to the presiding officers for city and municipal councils. (FREEMAN)