CEBU, Philippines — Heavy traffic greeted the first day of the implementation of the “no left turn, no crossing” policy in Consolacion town on Monday, a holiday.
The new traffic policy also drew criticisms from motorists and commuters for causing traffic bottlenecks in northern metro Cebu.
A motorist said it took them over an hour to reach Barangay Lamac from SM Consolacion.
“SM Consolacion to Lamac , 1hr kapin. Forcing people to go the opposite way while being stuck in traffic is beyond insane,” the motorist said.
To ease traffic congestion, the municipal government of Consolacion is proposing to establish a second u-turn slot at Wheeltek/Kayda Cafe in Yati, Liloan town for buses, and big trucks.
Under the new traffic scheme, crossing of roads from Laray (Francis Burton Harrison Avenue) to Mountain Hi-Way and vice versa is prohibited.
For Lamac intersection, vehicles from Cebu City are not allowed to turn left. This policy also applies for vehicles coming from Liloan town to corner Maglasang road.
Moreover, the town also identified temporary u-turn slots, such as Ultramart/ Shell Area, Market Terminal Entrance Area, Mendero Medical Center Area and Rose Pharmacy Pitogo Area.
The municipal government reported that the Shell/Ultramart u-turn slot was heavily congested.
Southbound vehicles, six-wheeler trucks and up, are advised to take the U-turn slot at Jagobiao, Mandaue City.
The Shell/Ultramart u-turn slot will solely for four-wheeled vehicles and below.
"We would also gently advise vehicles bound for Mandaue City or Cebu City not to take the u-turn at Shell/Ultramart Area, but instead use the Phoenix Pitogo u-turn slot,” read the post of the town’s official Facebook page.
The town is asking understanding and cooperation from the motorists and the general public, saying the “traffic scheme is still work in progress.”
Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado is planning to meet with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia this Friday to discuss the issue. — KQD (FREEMAN)