Motoring Today Column

Jul 24, 2019

Once in a while we see videos of an irate motorist having an ugly argument with a traffic enforcer on social media. Often, it shows the traffic enforcer being bullied by an arrogant driver - or even a passenger.

You've heard it before - motorists talking loudly about how inept or unprepared our traffic enforcers are to keep order on the roads.

But before you add a comment or two to such conversation, be aware that our traffic enforcers do go through training.

Last week, the Metro Manila Development Authority ( MMDA) reported that more than 2,000 traffic enforcement personnel gathered at theQuirino Grandstand and Parade Grounds in Manila City for their "Operational Readiness, Safety, Inspection, Traffic and Evaluation (ORSITE)."

This activity is designed to make the traffic enforcers prepared for the big task up ahead - that is to keep traffic moving, and us motorists and commuters getting to our destinations at less time.

That was the second annual general assembly of the traffic personnel, where MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim praised them for "their efforts and services as front-liners of the agency, enforcing traffic rules and regulations in the metropolis."

"I know all your hardships and sacrifices, rain or shine, sometimes, you even encounter abusive motorists on the road, but still you carry out your sworn duties to the public," said Lim, addressing 2,286 traffic enforcement personnel present during the activity.

"That is why we continue to provide free medicines, meals, insurance support for everyone," he said.

To support the traffic enforcers, Lim said they are now taking steps to complete the vehicles and equipment needed to serve the public efficiently. These are motorcycles, vehicles, rescue equipment, heavy equipment and personnel safety devices.

Despite their important task to keep traffic flowing and increase the productivity of citizens, the majority of the traffic enforcers are classified as job order employees who are not entitled to benefits.

Perhaps this is one advocacy that civic groups can work for, to urge government to give regular employment and hazard pay benefits to the traffic enforcers who stand under the sun - or rain - through clear air or dense smog - just to keep us all moving to where we need to go.

The basic common denominator between the enforcer and the violator is the rule that is being enforced or being claimed to be violated. Having said that, I think if there would be any training of traffic enforcers it should be to make them understand fully what is the traffic law is all about. You will be surprised to find out like I was that a simple traffic sign or road marking has several interpretations from different people. I come to realize this after having organized and conducted road safety seminars and workshops among graduating high school students, many do not know the meaning of traffic signs and road markings or have several interpretations.

Road work advisory

A traffic rerouting plan for light vehicles is now being implemented around the area of the C3 Bridge due to its partial closure to give way for the construction of the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 C3-R10 Section.

This is being implemented by theMetro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) andNLEX Corporation, in close coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units of the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas. The rerouting started July 20 and will be implemented until the completion of the project in November this year.

According to the MMDA, the partial closure will enableNLEX to construct the elevated road crossing over Navotas River along C3.

During the partial closure, light vehicles coming from C3 Road going to Radial Road 10, and vice versa, will be rerouted along Dagat-Dagatan Avenue and Lapu-Lapu Avenue, while heavy vehicles may still use the two-way traffic route at the remaining bound of C3 Bridge.

NLEX Corporation president and general manager Luigi Bautista said that when completed, that stretch of road will provide direct access between R10 and NLEX thus contribute to ease of travel and traffic decongestion in Metro Manila.

The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 C3-R10 section, which is targeted for completion by December 2019, is a2.6-km elevated expressway from C3 Road,Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, Navotas City.

It will connect to the recently opened 5.65-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 that passes throughKaruhatan, Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and New Caloocan Interchange in 5th Avenue/C3 Road, Caloocan City.

It will also provide an alternative route to people living in Quezon City who have to drive to Manila, without passing Quezon Avenue and Espana Avenue.

Electric vehicle industry

The electric vehicle industry is alive and well, as we learned at the 7th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, with the theme "Electric Vehicles: Modernizing the Transportation Landscape, Driving Sustainable Growth." The summit was held last week at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The summit presented the gains in establishing a national regulatory framework for EVs; building charging stations; and building the EV infrastructure.

Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP) President Edmund A. Araga goes even further to involve the academe in this endeavor.

"Accelerating our country's transition to fossil free driving would require, more than ever, the help of our academic institutions in terms of research, innovation, industry linkage, trainings, among others. That's why this year, we are launching the eVAP Academe Chapter to help close the knowledge gap that is holding back our countrymen from choosing electric vehicles and to help our local EV industry address the barriers to widespread EV adoption," he said.

At the summit, E-Mobility Solutions were presented byNissan Motor Corporation Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Happy Motoring!!!

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