Celso formalizes truck ban through EO 272-09
Mayor Celso Lobregat has issued an executive order formalizing an earlier temporary transport ban on six-wheeler cargo trucks from using/plying the major thoroughfares in the city.
Lobregat’s EO 272-2009 specifically prohibits six-wheeler cargo trucks of more than five gross tonnage, trailers and container vans on major streets within the seven-kilometer radius of city from six o’clock to nine o’clock in the morning and from four o’clock to seven o’clock in the afternoon.
The executive order is pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article IV (Routing of Traffic) of Ordinance 248, otherwise known as “The Revised Traffic Code of Zamboanga City” enacted on December 10, 2002 in which cargo trucks of more than five gross tons are prohibited from using or passing through Climaco Avenue, Gov. Lim Avenue, Tomas Claudio Street and Mayor N. Valderrosa Street from its junction with P. Lorenzo Street from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Likewise, cargo trucks of any capacity are prohibited from using or passing through Normal Road from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during school days.
This, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently conducting repair/rehabilitation works on major streets and thoroughfares in the city as part of the economic pump-priming program of the national government, thus aggravating traffic congestion in the city.
Recalled, Lobregat and other city officials met last July 8 with owners/proprietors of different cargo trucks and hauling companies in a bid to immediately address the traffic problems on local and national roads.
During the said meeting, the parties concerned agreed that the city government shall impose a temporary transport ban on six-wheeler cargo trucks of more than five gross tons, including trailers and container vans during peak hours in the morning and late afternoon.
The EO, however, exempts fuel tank trucks and liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers from the temporary ban for reasons that the ban shall limit and disrupt the safe and continuous supply of petroleum products to airport operations and other vital industries in they city, as requested by Petron Zamboanga Depot.
Copies of the order were furnished to all concerned cargo truck companies in the city, contractors, Zamboanga City Police Office and other governmental offices in the city for guidance. (Vic Larato)