New traffic scheme for QC village OKd

MANILA, Philippines–Motorists and drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) are barred from passing through certain roads in Barangay (village) Immaculate Conception in Quezon City following the approval of an ordinance to address heavy traffic in the area.

The “Traffic Scheme of Barangay Immaculate Conception” ordinance was approved last month by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, according to Councilor Jesus “Bong” Suntay, its author.

Suntay said he came up with the ordinance after barangay officials requested his office to come up with a traffic scheme to ease vehicular flow.

“Barangay Immacuate Conception regularly receives a massive amount of complaints from motorists and commuters due to the compounding problem of vehicular traffic on a daily basis,” Suntay added.

One of the causes, he noted, were the private cars parked on the streets and public utility vehicles which load or unload passengers indiscriminately, he said in an interview.

Solving the traffic gridlock in the area would also help improve vehicular flow in adjacent streets such as E. Rodriguez and Aurora Boulevards, he said.

Under the ordinance, violators would pay a fine ranging from P1,000 to P5,000.

The traffic scheme was studied and “positively recommended” by the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), Suntay said.

But Elmo San Diego, the head of DPOS, said they were still looking for a “win-win” solution. “We are careful because of its impact on adjoining areas,” he added.

Under the ordinance, buses and jeepneys are barred from passing through New York Street via Vancouver Street up to Boston Street, Lantana Street corner Brooklyn Street, Lantana Street corner Spencer Street, Lantana corner Manhattan Street and Boston Street corner Aurora Boulevard.

Buses and UV Express taxis without authorized terminals are also banned from entering Denver Street corner New York Street, Detroit Street corner New York Street, Maryland Street corner New York Street, Sgt. Catolos corner New York Street, Maryland Street corner Denver Street and F. Manalo Street corner New York Street.

Buses are also not allowed to enter Lantana Street corner Aurora Boulevard, Seattle Street corner Aurora Street, Seattle Street corner Manhattan Street, Seattle Street corner Spencer Street, Seattle Street corner Brooklyn Street and Monte de Piedad Street corner Aurora Boulevard.

In addition, parking will be allowed only on one side of Lantana Street from New York Street up to Aurora Boulevard. On the other hand, parking is banned on both sides of Monte de Piedad Street within 15 meters of E. Rodriguez Street facing the eastbound side.

All types of vehicles are barred from Poinsetia Street corner E. Rodriguez Street and Maryland corner Monte de Piedad Street.

Seattle Street from Aurora Boulevard up to Manhattan Street is considered a no-loading and unloading zone.

Barangay Public Security Officers in the area will assist the DPOS in enforcing and implementing the ordinance.