‘Smarter Roads’ proposal up for public hearing

THE CITY Council will subject to a public hearing the proposed ordinance that seeks to provide “smarter roads” or better traffic flow in the city by adopting key changes in the traffic system as proposed by a private citizen. The hearing is set for Nov. 14, 9 a.m. at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall. Authored by Councilor Mylen Yaranon, the measure sought to adopt the proposed traffic plan of Joseph Edison Claridades which Yaranon said are workable. Claridades proposed major changes in the traffic system like the imposition of “no stopping” within 10 meters before and after intersections, reduction of the number of oneway streets at the central business district, the strict implementation of public transport stops or loading and unloading zones and identification of new pedestrian crossings. He also advocated the maximization of the use of police resource to direct traffic in some intersections and the promotion of “traffic calming” at the CBD and some highways. Claridades also called for the implementation of modern roundabouts at crucial intersections, transit lanes, selfenforcing road markings and the sharing of information on new routes via applications Google Maps, Waze and others. He also proposed the use of thermoplastic paint for all road markings. Yaranon who chairs the city council committee on public works said Claridades’ proposal is just one of the traffic plans being studied by the committee in its continuing traffic planning process intended to find solutions to the city’s road congestion problem. Through the public hearing, the committee hopes to gather more ideas and inputs to guide the legislators on what action to take on the proposal.