BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – An ever-growing number of cars rising by the year, lack of aides directing traffic, and the lack of education are among the major factors causing sluggish traffic and congested roads here.
Former traffic police Dennis Perma, who is now acting administration section chief pointed out that these possible factors may have contributed to the congestion of roads: increased number of privately owned vehicles, lack of personnel, and insufficient driver’s education.
ON PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES
Due to the lack of laws and ordinances to control the purchase of vehicles to minimize road congestion, it has led to the increased number of privately owned cars and vehicles. Additionally, with the growing buying capacity of the middle class, and the dilapidated vehicles that are just parked on the streets, it has contributed to the problem, he said.
ON LACK OF PERSONNEL
Perma said here everyone knows everyone, but the area of responsibility covered by BTAO beg to differ.
As the city has become densely populated, the growing number of vehicles cannot be efficiently managed by the traffic enforcers. Perma pointed out that BTAO is understaffed for this kind of ordeal.
ON INSUFFICIENT DRIVER’S EDUCATION
Perma said while BTAO has conducted school seminars on traffic basics as part of its education campaign, there is still a need to include it as part of the school curriculum.
To ease the traffic problem, Perma said four traffic lights have been added to the already existing 24.
However, when it comes to broken streetlights and cracked roads, Perma said BTAO is not responsible for fixing it since the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) is in charge of repairs.
