Councilor Rodriguez pushes revised traffic code

PROPOSED Ordinance No. 2026-272, or the "An Ordinance Adopting the Cagayan de Oro City Revised Traffic Code of 2026," is gaining grounds during its second discussion with the committee on public utilities after Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez pushed for its passage.

The measure proposes key reforms, including a uniform truck ban from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., improved pay parking management, stricter penalties for vehicles with modified mufflers, and an updated towing policy.

It also seeks to remove the transit exemption along C.M. Recto Avenue, establish designated pay parking areas with a share of collections allocated to barangays, and provide a 15-minute grace period for motorists experiencing mechanical breakdowns before towing.

Rodriguez emphasized the need to update the city's traffic code, enacted in 2007, saying it no longer reflects the realities of Cagayan de Oro's rapid growth, increasing vehicle volume, and expanding economic activity over the past 19 years.

The proposed ordinance aims to establish a modern, practical, and responsive traffic code that prioritizes the safety of all road users while balancing the operational needs of businesses that rely on trucks for the transport and delivery of goods. (JDO/SP)