Makati City traffic enforcers have apprehended a total of 454 motorists for blocking pedestrian lanes in various parts of the city, barely a month after Mayor Abigail Binay ordered the strict enforcement of traffic regulations for the safety of pedestrians.
Binay’s directive came on the heels of complaints from residents about rude motorists refusing to give way to pedestrians. Vehicles blocking “zebra lanes” at intersections and other designated pedestrian crossings have also been observed around the city.
“Giving way to pedestrians is a basic road courtesy upheld by our Traffic Code. Sadly, many motorists have become insensitive to the danger they pose on pedestrians when they obstruct pedestrian lanes or fail to slow down before reaching a designated crossing,” Binay said.
Last year, a total of 204 pedestrians were injured in accidents involving various types of vehicles in the city, based on a report of the Makati Police.
Binay warned motorists the drive against traffic violators in the city will continue without letup to ensure that discipline and the rule of law will prevail.
Under Article 20, Section 105 of the Makati Traffic Code of 2003, a driver approaching a pedestrian crossing shall travel at such a speed that he or she will be able to stop the vehicle before reaching the pedestrian crossing.
It also requires the driver to give way to any pedestrian who is on a pedestrian crossing, and prohibits any part of the vehicle from encroaching on a pedestrian lane at a stoplight.
Traffic enforcers from the city’s Public Safety Department conducted the intensified operation in the Central Business District (Zone 1), and in other major roads and intersections in the city covered by Zones 2 to 7 from March 4 to March 24. The most number of violators apprehended was in Zone 1 with around 200.
Mayor Binay also directed the PSD to review the existing provisions of the Makati Traffic Code and identify those that need to be amended as well as those that are already obsolete and should be deleted and/or replaced.
She cited the need for heavier penalties for violations that “directly endanger lives,” such as the violation of provisions under Section 105 of the Makati Traffic Code that metes out a mere P200 fine with community service.
On the other hand, she reminded pedestrians to strictly abide by restrictions imposed by traffic rules for their own protection. “Pedestrians should be mindful of their duty to obey the law. They can avoid accidents by paying close attention to traffic signals and being alert while on the road,” she said.
Other sections of the city traffic code that uphold the safety of pedestrians include Section 25 under Article V, which mandates a driver turning to the right or left at an intersection to give way to all pedestrians.
A driver making a U-Turn is also required to give way to all other vehicles and to all pedestrians. Violation of this provision carries a fine of P500.
For drivers entering an abutting road, Section 28 orders them to give way to all pedestrians on the road, except when otherwise instructed to proceed by a traffic control-signal, a traffic policeman or aide, or a duly authorized traffic enforcer. Violators are also subject to a fine of P500.
Under the Makati Traffic Code, the second and subsequent traffic offenses shall carry penalties that are two times the value of the most recent fines on record, whether the same had been paid or not, but not to exceed P2,500 per violation.
For habitual offenders, or when the violation involved property damage more than P10,000 or loss of life, the Traffic and Parking Management Office shall seek the cancellation of the driver’s license through the LTO.
Motorists issued Ordinance Violation Receipts in Makati can redeem their driver’s license at the 7th floor, Makati City Hall Building II, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Mondays to Fridays.