In hopes of significantly reducing road crashes and road crash fatalities and injuries in the province, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution enjoining the 23 municipalities of Palawan to enact or adopt ordinances pertaining to setting of speed limits in their respective jurisdiction pursuant to the mandates of the DPWH-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular no. 2018-001.
“Actually, in this Joint Memorandum Circular, kumpleto na lahat eh, because the pro-forma ordinance is already provided for the municipalities, i-adopt nalang nila based on the real situation and [the] local situation,” said Board Member Ryan D. Maminta, who authored the resolution.
He also stated that the province should employ agents to enforce the resolution. “The key is enforcement. Kasi ‘pag walang enforcement, wala din eh. May guidelines ka, may ordinance ka tapos walang enforcement, wala rin. So you have to employ agents and people para mag-check talaga,” he said.
The occurrence of road crash fatalities and injuries is a serious public health issue that must be addressed globally, which is why there is a compelling need for City and Municipal Governments to issue speed limit ordinances and collect road crash data. “This is very technical, dapat masukat mo ‘yung speed limit. Challenging talaga,” Maminta said. “Pero kailangan nating gawin, kailangan nating simulan,” he added.
The recommended speed limit varies depending on the type of vehicle and the classification of the roads as well as its function, design and actual condition and may be implemented based on the appropriate situation, all of which shall still comply with the Republic Act 4136.
The Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-001 also states that the Department of Transportation, through the LTO, in coordination with the DILG, DPWH and Civil Society Organizations shall be responsible for training and information dissemination on speed limit setting and enforcement strategies, to assist City and Municipal Governments in the enactment and implementation of local speed limit ordinances and related policies.
Meanwhile, the City or Municipal Government shall also be responsible for appropriating funds for the procurement and installation of speed limit signs along Municipal Roads, City Roads, and Barangay Roads that shall comply with the technical specifications prescribed under the current Road Signs and Pavement Markings Manual of the Highway Safety Design Standards issued by the DPWH.
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