A group of lawyers is recommending long-term solutions to address traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
This is in response to the recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), to partially ban street parking.
In a statement on Saturday, the Lawyers for Commuters’ Safety and Protection (LCSP) described the move as “a step in the right direction,” while stressing long-term reforms must be considered.
“LCSP supports the DILG and MMDA’s initiative to ban street parking, particularly along main roads… We urge the government to take bold, systemic steps to address traffic congestion while ensuring the safety and convenience of all commuters,” the statement reads.
The group recommends mandatory proof of parking, noting that “a law should be passed requiring individuals to secure a designated parking space before being allowed to purchase or register a vehicle.”
In this case, it will discourage indiscriminate parking and promote responsible vehicle ownership.
Likewise, LCSP calls for public transportation reforms, encouraging the government to improve the public transportation system to discourage the purchase of more private vehicles.
A single bus can transport up to 50 passengers while occupying far less road space than 50 private cars, they explained.
For its part, the DILG recommends banning street parking in Metro Manila from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while the MMDA proposes a more limited ban during rush hours, specifically from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
LCSP opined that “a total ban on street parking in Metro Manila should be implemented, regardless of the time of day,” citing prohibitions under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
It noted, however, that “enforcement has been weak, and some barangays and LGUs have enacted ordinances allowing street parking in certain areas” that are contrary to national law.
It should be prohibited at all hours, according to them, as it is a persistent obstruction to traffic flow and emergency services.
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