‘Baguio’s 20-30 kph speed limit rule ‘not advisable’ in some areas’ – Mayor Magalong

Baguio City, Philippines – Baguio has recently seen a rise in the number of vehicular crashes, and the strict enforcement of the city’s speed limit ordinance is one of the measures adopted to curb such road accidents. However, Mayor Benjamin Magalong is considering possible revisions.

According to data from the City Police Office via the Public Information Office, traffic accidents increased from 322 recorded cases between January and May 27 of last year to 375 cases this year. Of the incidents this year, 95 percent are attributed to human error.

Bagguio has 20-30 kph speed limit ordinance

To reduce the road-related crashes, Magalong announced heightened implementation of the city’s Speed Limit Ordinance, or Ordinance No. 18, series of 2019.

Under the local legislation, a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour (kph) shall be imposed within the Central Business District and other major roads, while a limit of 30 kph applies to all inner roads.

To ensure effective implementation, the city government will procure additional speed monitoring devices, including speed guns and radar sensors, to enhance regulation and detection of vehicle speeds throughout the city, the City Information Office reported.

Magalong finds ‘20-30 kph not advisable in some areas’

Based on the actual experience of running tests conducted by Magalong, the speed limit of 20-30 kph provided under the ordinance is not aligned with the actual road conditions and traffic patterns of certain areas.

“We tried running at 30 kph along South Drive, and it is not advisable. It should be around 40 kph. The same is true with Loakan Road, Kennon Roa,d and Marcos Highway. We need to look at other roads where a 20-30 kph limit is not appropriate,” said the mayor.

“We have to be discerning regarding our speed limits. We need to amend our ordinance as there are speed limits that are not advisable,” Magalong added while speaking with the traffic and transportation team of the city.

The Traffic and Transportation Management Division of the City Engineering Office, along with the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the City Police Office and the City Legal Office, was tasked to draft the proposed amendment, which will then be submitted to the august body.