Public told to follow traffic rules

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has reminded anew the motorists and the commuters to follow all traffic laws to help ease traffic jams.

CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said solving the city’s horrendous traffic needs people’s active participation.

Ouano said the city’s worsening traffic condition becomes a daily occurrence.

He said traffic bottlenecks occur during peak hours from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along P. Del Rosario Street, MJ Cuenco Avenue, and Osmeña Boulevard, among others.

He said traffic violators contribute to road congestions. Common traffic violations are jaywalking and defying traffic signages.

For instance, he said, people choose to jaywalk and risk life and limb despite having an overhead bridge or overpass and pedestrian crossing nearby.

Infrastructures like overpass are built high off the ground across roads for pedestrians to safely cross busy streets.

 “People really lack discipline. A lot of people ignore these infrastructures and continue to cross streets without pedestrian lanes endangering both their lives as well as the drivers,” Ouano said.

Laws were enacted against jaywalking with hefty fines in a bid to protect and discipline the public.

“We should help one another. This is not just the concern of the government but also the public,” he said. — KBQ (FREEMAN)