Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Bernadette Barbers filed a bill that aims to alleviate worsening traffic congestion in cities by restoring order and rightful use of public roads and sidewalks.
House Bill 933, or the proposed “Sidewalks and Public Roads Use Act,” seeks to prohibit the use of public roads for parking, business operations, or terminals.
In doing so, it would forbid local government units (LGUs) or agencies from designating public roads as parking areas or terminals, even for a fee. The measure would only allow temporary uses with permits issued by LGUs.
Moreover, the bill would ban structures or business activities that obstruct sidewalks, while allowing temporary use with special permits.
If passed into law, it would penalize violators with fines ranging from P1,000 to P10,000, while empowering authorities to confiscate obstructions and impound vehicles parked illegally.
“Urban areas, especially Metro Manila, have become so congested that people do what is convenient for themselves, even at the expense of others,” Barbers said.
“Sidewalks are taken over by vendors, forcing pedestrians into the streets. Homeowners and businesses without parking use roads as their private lots. Add illegal terminals and you have total gridlock,” she added.
