Lapu number coding scheme questioned

BOTH Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) voiced reservations over Lapu-Lapu City Hall’s proposal to implement a number coding traffic scheme at Metro Cebu’s two bridges.

Davide told reporters that the proposal should be studied and discussed since it may generate complaints from the riding public.

He said he will discuss this with the Metro Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB).

“Ug mahitabo na, I expect nga dunay mga reklamo ana. But if it can really help ease sa traffic, it’s a good move. Kinahanglan nga tun-an (If it will happen, I expect that there will be complaints. But if it can really help ease the traffic, it’s a good move. It has to be studied),” he said.

Davide said he’s concerned on how the number coding traffic scheme will affect motorists coming from Cebu City that are headed to Lapu-Lapu City.

For his part, Architect Florentino Nimor, Team executive director, said the scheme will only aggravate traffic at the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

Nimor said the scheme will encourage people to purchase new vehicles with different plate numbers.

He said it would be better to study areas where the scheme was implemented like Metro Manila.

Nimor said cooperation between the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu is needed before implementing the number coding scheme.

“If we Mandaue will not agree on the scheme, we cannot put No Entry signs. So it’s Lapu-Lapu who will apprehend violators,” Nimor said.