Jeepney Drivers, Commuters Hit New Laoag Traffic Scheme

Several commuters here, particularly students and residents along Nangalisan and airport road, are dismayed by the on-going no left-turn policy for vehicles en route from San Nicolas to the stretch of Gabu airport during rush hours.

Some students of the Northwestern University said they are affected by the experimental traffic scheme as it takes a longer time for them to commute from home to school and it entails additional transport costs.

"What we need are functional traffic lights and for the government to build an overpass. Our city is not a laboratory for traffic schemes," Justine Rillera from this city said.

For Renato Punzalan, he also expressed concern on the safety and security of students, who may consider passing through the unlit and narrow back roads, to get to their destination on time.

Arthur Valente from Currimao, Ilocos Norte, who sometimes commutes to work in Laoag City, suggested there should be a roundabout at the Nangalisan junction to ease traffic in the area during rush hours.

The experimental traffic scheme started last October 1 and it is implemented from 7 to 8:30 AM and from 4:30 to 6 PM.

In an advisory announced October 21 by the Laoag City Communication and Media Affairs Office, the Philippine National Police Traffic Division will also implement no left-turn policy starting October 28 for all vehicles coming from the west along airport road going to the city proper.

It would be done at the Gabu junction during peak hours from 7 to 8:30 AM and from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Affected vehicle owners and drivers are advised to take alternate routes to the Bypass road instead.

Laoag councilor Edison Bonoan, who sponsored the resolution, said there is a need for a periodic introduction of traffic control measures due to the increasing vehicular volume coming in the city.

As chair of the committee on transportation, Bonoan said the increasing number of vehicles is due to the influx of commercial establishments in the city and neighboring municipalities.

The Laoag traffic division will also strictly implement no parking on both sides of the shoulders on national roads.

There will be no parking during peak hours on both sides on the following streets: A. Castro Ave from Gen. Segundo to Giron and P. Gomez from Gen. Segundo Ave. up to Pila Road.

Meanwhile, tricycles are not allowed to enter during peak hours from 7  to 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and 4:30 to 6 PM the following streets: A. Castro Ave. from Gen. Segundo to Herbosa and Lazaro from Gen. Segundo to Paco Roman.

Truck Ban will also be implemented from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the streets of J.P. Rizal from M. Dizon to Trese Martirez (West of the Gilbert Bridge) and Gen. Segundo Ave. from Rizal to A. Castro.

The experimental traffic scheme is expected to last until December this year and it may be modified based on the result of this undertaking.