A lawyers’ group seeks the adoption of long-term solutions to traffic congestion in Metro Manila, notably partial ban to street parking in the metropolis.
The lawyers were reacting to a recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), to prohibit street parking.
In a statement, the Lawyers for Commuters’ Safety and Protection (LCSP) viewed the proposal as “a step in the right direction,” while stressing long-term reforms must be considered.
“LCSP supports the DILG and MMDA’s initiative to ban street parking, particularly along main roads… We urge the government to take bold, systemic steps to address traffic congestion while ensuring the safety and convenience of all commuters,” the statement read.
The group recommended mandatory proof of parking, noting that “a law should be passed requiring individuals to secure a designated parking space before being allowed to purchase or register a vehicle.”
In this case, it will discourage indiscriminate parking and promote responsible vehicle ownership.
The DILG) and the MMDA suggested a partial parking ban on public streets in the National Capital Region (NCR).
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said the agency proposed to ban street parking in the region between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“The law says that public streets are not for private enterprise. And we consider parking a private enterprise. A private car on a public street,” Remulla said.
“So we will now designate them as no parking zones especially on the streets which affect Metro Manila traffic. It’s a modification of what we have now,” he added.
On the other hand, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes suggested implementing the ban on side street parking only during rush hours, covering 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila Council (MMC) head San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the NCR local chief executives prefer retaining their individual ordinances on non-busy streets.
“When it comes to the inner roads, secondary, and tertiary roads, what we will do is assign each LGU (local government unit) to be part of a technical working group,” Zamora said.
“There is no total parking ban for now. What will be discussed is that each city will submit their recommendations on which ones can be allowed,” he added
The final version of the policy for public street parking in Metro Manila is expected to be released on September 1, according to Remulla.
The LCSP also called for public transportation reforms, encouraging the government to improve mass transport to discourage the purchase of more private vehicles.
A single bus can transport up to 50 passengers while occupying far less road space than 50 private cars, they explained.
LCSP said that “a total ban on street parking in Metro Manila should be implemented, regardless of the time of day,” citing prohibitions under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
It noted, however, that “enforcement has been weak, and some barangays and LGUs have enacted ordinances allowing street parking in certain areas” that are contrary to national law.
It should be prohibited at all hours, according to them, as it is a persistent obstruction to traffic flow and emergency services.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Lawyer’s group pushes long-term solutions vs. traffic congestion”
