Your car, your responsibility

People have been complaining about the worsening traffic situation in major cities including Davao City. It is terrible and is speaking volume of how poor the country’s transportation system is.

There are various factors contributing to the traffic congestion woes in the city, one is the illegal parking of vehicles along the streets and thoroughfares.

This week, the Senate has started checking the details of a proposed Proof-of-Parking Space Act or Senate Bill No. 201 sponsored by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

The bill, as stated, would require prospective vehicle owners to present proof that they have a parking space or garage for their new automobiles. The aim is to help clear the side streets from obstructions, on the process, ease traffic congestion in the country.

The Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship created a technical working group to study the measure.

The lawmaker said during a recent public hearing of the bill that the concept is promoting responsibility for owners when they buy vehicles.

“We are now putting the responsibility on the car owners. If you buy cars, you have to make sure that you have a parking space for your own vehicle,” Gatchalian said.

This traffic problem is currently besetting Davao City. If you try to pass the side streets as an alternative to major thoroughfares, chances are you’ll still get stuck in traffic due to the cars parked along the narrow streets.

To name a few streets - Jacinto, Padre Zamora, Jacinto Extension, Quezon Boulevard, Matina, Roxas Avenue, the list goes on.

Drivers opt to park along the streets due to lack of parking spaces.

These established, Davao City has passed an ordinance seeking to provide a special incentive package to properties that will be developed into parking buildings.

Given the current traffic situation, the “No garage, no car” policy is a welcome development as it will instill a culture of responsible vehicle ownership among Filipinos.

Having this kind of national policy will also encourage, if not push, local government units to impose the same measure.