Motorcycle ban in SRP mulled

This man onboard a motorcycle may no longer be allowed to use the South Road Properties in the future if Mayor Michael Rama’s plan to ban them in the area will push through. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is considering to ban motorcycles from passing through the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) in the South Road Properties (SRP).

“Motorcycles shouldn’t be allowed to pass these areas. Motorcycles are small and the area in SRP is dangerous for motorcycles,” Rama told reporters yesterday.

He said he had a talk with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson about his idea in relation to the accidents in the SRP but was told it is a local issue.

Based on records from the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom), there were 245 vehicular accidents in the SRP alone. Of this, 110 involved motorcycle crash accidents.

Citom has already fielded more personnel in the area to call the attention of motorists who violate the reduced speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour (KPH) which was imposed by the city government starting last weekend.

Despite this, another minor accident was recorded in the SRP last Monday.

“The fact that there’s an accident shows that it hasn’t been completely addressed,” Rama said.

The mayor ordered Citom to study the possibility of banning motorcycles in the area. A representative of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) sits in the Citom board.

Citom executive director Victor Caindec said they will study the idea and look for legal basis to enforce the new order.

“We have to review. We have to look for a good legal basis. Together with all concerned agencies, we will evaluate if it’s viable or not and whether motorcycles are really the cause of accidents in the area,” Caindec said.

Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, for his part, said the City Council should pass a legislation that would mandate a maximum speed limit of 40 kph in the CSCR.

Labella, also the chairman of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC), said the occurrence of accidents at the CSCR is already “alarming” and should already be addressed.

Joy Tumulak, Citom operations head, said the ordinance would be a big help in  imposing the reduced speed limit as the Department of Public Works and Highways declared a 60 kph speed limit.

Presently, Citom installed signage of 30 kph speed limit at the CSCR.