The chief of the City Transportation and Traffic Management Office yesterday told reporters in yesterday’s I-Speak forum that there is no turning back for his office’ determination to impose fines on jaywalkers.
Rhodelio Poliquit, CTTMO chief, said the fines will be based on the anti-jay walking ordinance.
His office commenced implementation of the orginance on November 23.
“We will fine P100 pesos on the first offense plus four hours of community service,” said Poliquit. Though the fines for the second and coming offenses are not yet announced, he said there would be no imprisonment for offenders.
Poliquit specified the four places where jay walking is strictly prohibited namely Matina Crossing, San Pedro Extension and Quimpo Boulevard, Gaisano Mall Bajada to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and Ma-a Crossing to Sandawa via McArthur Highway.
According to him, the jay walking ordinance was implemented due to increased road congestion and for the safety of the pedestrians. As for the assessment of the said ordinance so far, there are no reported cases yet.
Poliquit also pointed out that senior citizens, persons with disability (PWD), and pregnant women need not to walk to the nearest pedestrian lane for as long as a traffic enforcer would assist them cross the street.
“But this should be a public operation. We should assist these people when we see them,” he stressed.
He added that they had deployed 15 personnel to monitor jay-walking.
In accordance to the ordinance, Poliquit called out to barangays who have foot bridges to exercise proper maintenance.
“These barangays know they’re in charge of them,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the CTTMO would also fine P200 pesos for the first offense to drivers of motor vehicles who would not stop before pedestrian lanes.
“We need to prioritize the pedestrians’ safety,” said Poliquit.
