- Councilor denies new speed limit law a money-making venture
THE NEW Speed Limit Ordinance imposing higher penalties for violations is not a money-making scheme but rather designed to encourage motorists to follow road rules and regulations.
Councilor Luna Acosta, the committee on peace and public safety chair, said the large penalties that will be incurred to speed limit offenders are not meant to be a burden but to keep the discipline on the road.
The Speed Limit Ordinances imposes a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for the third and subsequent offenses. Meanwhile, an additional P500 will be imposed on those who fail to resolve the ticket within seven days.
“Our purpose here is not to raise revenue or to make people pay for the use of the road. It’s precisely to deter you from violating the speed limit ordinance, so as much possible we encourage all Dabawenyos to follow,” she said during the Habi at Kape forum on Dec. 13.
Acosta said road safety is a shared responsibility of the motorists, and would not hamper the travel and the city’s economy.
“Hindi totoo yung sabi na maghina ang Davao city because of the speed limit. In fact, we increased the speed limit in several parts of the city,” she said. “We don’t want you to be burdened but at the same time, we want to regulate speed on the road to avoid accidents.”
When asked what prompted the crafting of the ordinance given the traffic congestion in the city, she stressed not all roads share the same problem.
“It’s not whether or not madakpan mo. It’s whether or not you follow despite the fact na walay mangdakop. Regardless of the condition of the road, the rules and regulations on the road should still be followed,” she said.
The ordinance is compliant with the Republic Act 4136 and the decision of the Supreme Court on the case of the Municipality of Tupi wherein speed limits must be classified according to actual use.
They have classified the roads including open roads, highways, crowded streets, and through streets before identifying and assigning a speed limit on specific roads.
She said that the ordinance includes the procurement of speed guns, traffic signs, road paint, and specifically, traffic and law enforcers training.
” The city government of Davao is really dedicated, Mayor Baste Duterte himself has said he is willing to spend money in order to implement this ordinance and to assure safety on the road,” she said.
The councilor said the permanent speed limit cameras are in the process of procurement and the guidelines are not yet stipulated in the ordinance but will include these once available.
The ordinance is not only limited to Davao City motorists but also applies to drivers, operators, and owners of every type of motor vehicle within the territorial jurisdiction of the city. The full implementation is on Jan. 12 next year.
