Open private villages for a fee as traffic fix, House bill suggests

As a way to alleviate the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, a House bill wants private subdivisions to open at least one road per village for public use, for which the villages can charge a fee from motorists who pass through.

The bill was authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and brother Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, and tasks the Department of Public Works and Highways to determine which road in a subdivision would be most useful in decongesting traffic in an area.

Only vehicles weighing not more than 4,500 kilos will be allowed to use the village roads, according to the bill. Furthermore, homeowners’ associations opening their gates will be allowed to collect a fee not exceeding P5 per vehicle passing through, or a make an annual collection of P300 per motorist. The collected amount could be used to defray the cost of hiring additional security personnel and road maintenance.

The lawmakers said, “It cannot be denied that the present traffic mess has affected the productivity of otherwise productive individuals to a great extent. The unproductive time spent by many in commuting has not only affected their personal advancement in their careers or professions but also the economic growth of the country in general.” The proposed law encourages the private sector to support efforts in finding solutions to the capital’s perennial traffic problem, they added.
With report by Leila B. Salaverria