Lawmaker eyes ban on wrong use of sidewalks and public roads

Manila, Philippines – A Bicolano legislator has filed a bill banning the use of sidewalks and public roads for parking, business, sport activities and other purposes as a means to promote pedestrian safety.

Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara said small businesses have used and occupied sidewalks leaving pedestrians with no choice but to walk by the roadside, “exposing them to greater risks of bodily injury and even death.”

House Bill 4986 penalizes wrongful acts in the use of sidewalks and public roads, which are meant for the use and enjoyment of the general public.

He pointed out further that local residents and business establishments are using the streets as parking lots for their own vehicles, as well as their visitors and clients, thereby clogging the already narrow roads and impeding the free flow of traffic.

“It is of no secret that urban areas have become so congested that people tend to disregard order and do some things convenient to them which on a bigger scale contribute to disorder and chaos,” the congressman said.

Adding to the already chaotic situation is the existence of public utility terminals since Philippine roads “are not built for such purposes and the taxpayers have all the right to complain.”

Bichara said traffic congestion in urban areas results in economic losses amounting to billions of pesos yearly.

Should these road obstructions be cleared, he expects traffic flow to ease, leading to a more robust economy.

The measure, to be known as the Sidewalk and Road Use Act, shall penalize the unlawful use of public roads for parking, business, public utility terminals and any other activity that tend to impede the free flow of traffic.

Under the bill, the local government units or any government agency shall not designate public roads as parking spaces or terminals for public utility vehicles, whether for free or for a fee.

Proper authorities may likewise issue special permits for the temporary use of sidewalks for entertainment and leisure but in no case shall permits be issued allowing the use of sidewalks to conduct business like vulcanizing shops, repair shops, parking spaces, eateries, advertisement spaces, among others.

“It shall be unlawful for anyone to build any edifice, stall and other similar structures, put up any business and other forms of obstruction, leave garbage and other junk materials, engage in ambulant vending, and other acts that tend to impede or obstruct the use of side walks which are meant to service pedestrians,” Bichara said.

Violators of the proposed law may face a fine of P10,000. Vehicles parked illegally may be impounded and demolition of obstruction materials will be undertaken.

About Jeremaiah Opiniano