The Manila City Council announced on Thursday, Oct. 19, that it will soon install audible traffic signals with labeled push buttons for pedestrians in Manila.
The ordinance was passed on the third and final reading last Oct. 12, mandating the installation of audible traffic signals with labeled push buttons on city-owned pedestrian traffic lights.
First District Councilor Erick Ian “Banzai” O. Nieva authored the measure.
“These safety devices are commonly used in highly urbanized cities to assist pedestrians with disabilities while crossing lively streets and busy roads," he said.
The measure aims to benefit the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWD) who use signal-controlled crossings in the city.
According to the ordinance, an audible traffic signal provides visually impaired pedestrians with information on the status and relative location of pedestrian light signals.
The control section navigates a person crossing by simultaneously emitting echoes from the speakers placed at both ends of the crosswalk.
The push button, on the other hand, activates the countdown timer, which will give beneficiaries ample time to cross the pedestrian lane.
The ordinance penalizes any person found tampering with audible and push button-equipped signals.
“The ordinance is in line with the city government’s mantra "Dito sa Maynila, walang iniiwan, lahat kasama, lahat mahalaga (Here in Manila, no one is left behind, everyone is included, everyone is important)."