Bill bans illegal use of sidewalks and public roads

A lawmaker has filed a bill banning the use of sidewalks and public roads for parking,
business, sport activities and other purposes inimical to the interest of pedestrians.
Rep. Al Francis Bichara (2
nd
District, Alba! said "ouse Bill #$%& should penali'e wrongful
acts in the use of sidewalks and public roads, which are meant for the use and en(oment of the
general public.
Bichara said small businesses have used and occupied sidewalks leaving pedestrians with no
choice but to walk b the roadside, e)posing them to greater risks of bodil in(ur and even death.
Bichara said local residents and business establishments are using the streets as parking lots
for their own vehicles, as well as their visitors and clients, thereb clogging the alread narrow roads
and impeding the free flow of traffic.
*+t is of no secret that urban areas have become so congested that people tend to disregard
order and do some things convenient to them which on a bigger scale contribute to disorder and
chaos,, Bichara said.
*Adding to the alread chaotic situation is the proliferation of public utilit terminals because
our roads are not built for such purposes and the ta)paers have all the right to complain,, Bichara
added.
Bichara said traffic congestion in urban areas results in economic losses amounting to billions
of pesos earl. -hould these road obstructions be cleared, traffic flow will ease and a more robust
econom will result, Bichara said.
.he measure, to be known as the -idewalk and Road /se Act, shall penali'e the unlawful use
of public roads for parking, business, public utilit terminals and an other activit that tend to
impede the free flow of traffic.
/nder the bill, the local government units or an government agenc shall not designate
public roads as parking spaces or terminals for public utilit vehicles, whether for free or for a fee.
0roper authorities ma issue special permits for the temporar use of sidewalks for
entertainment and leisure but in no case shall permits be issued allowing the use of sidewalks to
conduct business like vulcani'ing shops, repair shops, parking spaces, eateries, advertisement spaces,
among others.
*+t shall be unlawful for anone to build an edifice, stall and other similar structures, put up
an business and other forms of obstruction, leave garbage and other (unk materials, engage in
ambulant vending, and other acts that tend to impede or obstruct the use of side walks which are
meant to service pedestrians,, Bichara said.
/nder the measure, violators face a fine of 012,2222. 3ehicles parked illegall ma be
impounded and demolition of obstruction materials will be undertaken. (42! jc
NR # 3605
SEPT. 30, 2014