Minglanilla town pushing for towing, clamping

In the hope of addressing the traffic situation in their town, Minglanilla, Cebu officials recently conducted a public hearing on the proposed ordinances on clamping and towing of illegally parked vehicles.

Minglanilla officials got the flak late last year when several vehicles going to the south and those heading back to Cebu City got stuck in the town for several hours.

To prevent the same incident from happening, they proposed ordinances on clamping and towing of illegally parked vehicles.

Vehicles clamped for hampering traffic will be slapped with a fine of P1,000.

Those vehicles that would be towed will have a penalty ranging from P2,000 to P5,000.

Initially, there are more than 12 municipal and provincial streets including the national highway eyed to be declared as tow-away zones.

During the public hearing, some participants raised few concerns that may affect their way of living once the ordinance will be implemented.

Among the concerns is the town's lack of parking space of designated terminal for tricycles including habal-habal.

They also wanted to increase the number of franchise for tricycle drivers and to prohibit vulcanizing and carwash shops operating along the side of the road.

Councilor Jesus Velez, chairman of the committee on laws and ordinances, said that they are taking consideration the suggestions of the public.

Currently, they are looking for a private towing company to enter into a contract with the municipality for the implementation of the proposed ordinances.

Velez said the two ordinances should be approved before the next school year begins.

Town Mayor Elanito Peña said that the said activity is their first step to address traffic problems in Minglanilla.

Also, it would give positive results to their town not only the improvement of the traffic flow but also the increase of funds that will be collected from the penalties.

Minglanilla Treasurer Silverio Cueva said the town has collected around P342,000 penalties from traffic violations last year.

Joy Tumulak, the focal person of the province's traffic management group, said that Governor Hilario Davide III is willing to give his full support on Minglanilla's move to address traffic congestion.