Nacaya wants RTA to shed light on no-right-turn on red light policy

THE no-right-turn on red light policy imposed by the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) has caused havoc, (worsen) traffic (conditions) and disagreements among motorists and traffic enforcers.

This was pointed out by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya in his special report on Monday’s regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy.

According to the councilor, this policy is not supported by an ordinance of the City Council but only by an Executive Order which, according to the RTA, has granted them the authority to impose pecuniary penalty to violating motorists.

While the City Traffic Code has provided authority to the Executive (Branch) to install traffic signs, it shall only be on regulated areas and its authority must (still) be based on the ordinances of the City Council, Nacaya further stressed.

Under Section 447(5)(vi) of the Local Government Code, it is the Sanggunian that is vested with the authority to regulate traffic on all streets and bridges within its jurisdiction.

Citing the insufficient explanation of RTA Head Rizalino Borlagdatan during committee meetings, Nacaya urged the RTA to submit its written position paper on the matter.

We may ask (then) the RTA Chief to kindly provide us with the authority and the basis of these traffic signs in the intersections of the city roads. What is their basis for putting up traffic signs of no right turn, the councilor manifested.

He pointed out that free right turning with caution is observed even in international traffic regulations, adding that the RTA’s “no right turn on red signal” policy is causing more road congestion rather than easing traffic flow.

The matter was referred to the committee on roads and traffic management chaired by Councilor Romeo V. Calizo for appropriate action.