Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is now pushing for the establishment of a national traffic enforcement and management center that would oversee the implementation of an efficient road safety policy and traffic administration.

Gatchalian said it is imperative for the government to put in place a mechanism that would address motorists and commuters’ complaints regarding public transportation and traffic enforcement especially in Metro Manila, which usually gets confusing during holidays and mall sales.

“Mahalaga na meron tayong maayos na sistema ng traffic management sa bansa para sa kaligtasan ng mga motorista at pasahero at maayos na daloy ng trapiko sa mga kalsada lalo na tuwing kapaskuhan at dagsa ang mga tao sa tuwing may mall sale (It is important that we have a proper traffic management system in the country for the safety of motorists and passengers and a smooth flow of traffic on the roads especially during the holiday season and the rush of people whenever there is a mall sale),” Gatchalian stressed.

In filing Senate Bill No. 1059 or An Act Establishing the National Traffic Enforcement and Management Center (Traffic Center), Gatchalian said the measure aims to build the capacity of traffic enforcers by providing them training in all areas of traffic enforcement and management including traffic engineering, road safety, accident investigation, driver training, post-accident management, and understanding violations.

The proposed traffic center will be attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and shall serve as the primary training center for all traffic enforcement personnel in the country.

A certification from the Center, Gatchalian said, shall be necessary for the deputation of traffic enforcement personnel of local government units (LGUs).

The senator pointed out that traffic enforcers play a vital role in maintaining public order and road safety.

“A properly trained traffic enforcer, coupled with the best practices in the enforcement of traffic laws, will ensure a safer road for the public, particularly to motorists and pedestrians, and better traffic management system,” said Gatchalian.

The bill, likewise, aims to undertake road safety audits on highways and road transportation projects and traffic management schemes to ascertain possible road risks and hazards.

It also seeks to train the public on the basics of road traffic laws, drive education and behavior, the current status of road environment and enforcement, and causes and hazards that lead to road accidents.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to enable the “Traffic Center” to scientifically research the causes and consequences of road collisions and accidents as well as prepare effective systems for their analysis in order to provide remedial measures.

#traffic enforcers

Gatchalian seeks creation of nat'l traffic enforcement, management center