Where is that team?

It has happened yet again. A truck stalled in the South Road Properties yesterday causing heavy traffic that lasted for hours in that area.

The truck reportedly broke down while passing through the SRP around 1 a.m., but was still on the road 10 hours later, causing congestion.

What was the first thing traffic authorities did? According to motorists, they came and issued the driver of the stalled truck a ticket and didn’t bother to have the impeding vehicle towed away immediately.

There were comments at how ironic it was that towing vehicles could easily be found for cars parked in no-parking zones, but none for stalled trucks in major thoroughfares.

For many motorists stuck in traffic it brought back memories of what happened last December 29 after a trailer truck carrying bags of cement had an accident in the entry ramp to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

That was another gridlock with traffic backed up all the way to a seaside mall.

After that December 29 incident we suggested that the city create a team that can quickly deal with traffic incidents in this particular area and others. A team with members that can work to remove the stalled vehicle while others quickly redirect traffic in strategic areas to make sure that vehicles are always on the move.

After this incident it’s obvious that such a team is still needed. Again we push for this; it’s not just for the SRP but any major thoroughfare in the city that can become blocked any time by stalled vehicles or vehicles involved in accidents.

Normal traffic is a cause of stress. While everyone who uses the road is prepared to deal with it, incidents like stalled vehicles or accidents add even more than the usual traffic and more than the usual stress.

Then there is also the economic cost of traffic. Yesterday some people became late for work, businesses couldn’t open or operate properly without some employees, some crucial deliveries arrived late, and so on. Traffic costs people and businesses money; millions yearly, in fact, if accrued.

With this latest incident we hope the authorities now see the need for such a team, because this will surely not be the last time a vehicle stalls or gets into an accident in the SRP.