3 trucks impounded in crackdown against illegal parking at NRA

At least three trailer trucks were  impounded after they were found illegally parked in the North Reclamation Area (NRA) in Cebu City.

Jonathan Tumulak, operations chief of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom), said operations against illegal parking started the other day in preparation for yesterday’s city government-initiated Labor Day Run   in Block 27.

“It’s just the start. Our operations will be continuous. It was the instruction of the mayor to clear roads in the NRA especially since illegal parking of trailers and trucks usually causes traffic in the area,” he said.

Tumulak said the move was also part of a plan to open smaller streets within NRA to public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

These streets include J. De Veyra, J. Briones, Third Avenue and Humabon which connects Gen. Maxilom Ave. Extension to J. Luna Avenue.

At present, only PUJs going to and from Bulacao, Pardo and Labangon  are allowed in these streets because of the rerouting scheme implemented by Citom due to the ongoing concreting project on S. Osmeña road.

These streets are where some trucks, trailers and other vehicles are illegally parked.

Tumulak said more PUJs with different routes will be allowed through these streets in order to prevent traffic congestion in major streets like A. Soriano Ave., J. Luna Ave. and S. Osmeña road.

“Our message to  truck operators is that Citom is serious about  going after illegal parking of trucks which contributes to the traffic,” he said.

A fine of at least P5,000 will be slapped on  violators.

The amount includes  P3,000 for towing and P2,000 for each day that a vehicle is in the impound lot.

Another  P500 fine will also be imposed for a violation that a driver may commit such as illegal parking, parking at the corner or intersection and driving a vehicle with no license plates.