Towing resumes

by Nestle L. Semilla
Correspondent

The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) has acquired a tow truck and would now strictly implement the policy to tow illegally parked vehicles.
In yesterday’s 78th Charter Day celebration, Citom unveiled a new towing truck worth P5 million.
Citom operation head Joy Tumulak said that with two tow trucks now, they are ready to spring into action. He added, City Hall will no longer contract private towing companies
“Pahimangno nato sa mga motorists nga dili nalang sila magpatakag parking sa ilahang mga sakyanan aron dili nato ma-tow (reminding all motorists to not illegally park so that we will end up towing their vehicles).” he said
Violators of illegal parking will be charged to P500 but if it will be tow by the Citom another P2,500 pesos for cars. While for motorcycles its P1,500 pesos. This rate does not includes pending violations of the drivers.
Tumulak said they will only give at least 10 minutes for owners or drivers of illegally parked vehicles to move their before towing. Aside from towing, Citom also has been clamping wheels of illegally parked cars.
Towing in the city were suspended in early 2011 amid growing complaints of motorists about the high fees charged and over-zealous private towing companies hired by City Hall under a scheme where the service provider was paid more if they apprehended more violators.
In May last year, Mayor Michael Rama said he wanted towing operations done by Citom itself and not by a private contractor.