After a five-day information campaign, the Cebu City Government will begin full enforcement of Oplan BanTal: Discipline Zone on Wednesday, Aug. 5, as it introduces stricter rules on loading areas, pedestrian movement, and lane use along the congested Banilad-Talamban corridor.
Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. said the initial implementation period allowed motorists, commuters, and pedestrians to adjust to the new traffic scheme before authorities move to enforcement.
“We are testing the implementation now. By August 5, that will be the full implementation,” Archival said.
The traffic program covers Gov. Cuenco Avenue, one of Metro Cebu’s busiest road corridors, where roadside loading and unloading, jaywalking, and improper lane use have contributed to recurring congestion.
Under Oplan BanTal, public utility vehicles will only be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at designated loading and unloading areas. The city identified six passenger lay-bys on each side of the corridor.
Archival said allowing passengers to board or alight anywhere along the road forces vehicles to stop within active traffic lanes, slowing down movement along the corridor.
The designated areas were positioned outside the main carriageway to allow public utility vehicles to stop without blocking other motorists.
The city will also enforce pedestrian discipline by requiring commuters to use marked pedestrian lanes, footbridges, and other designated crossing points.
Traffic personnel have been reminding pedestrians to avoid crossing outside these areas, which the city said affects traffic flow and increases the risk of accidents.
Motorcycle riders will also face stricter enforcement of the dedicated motorcycle lane along the corridor.
The city requires riders to stay within the designated rightmost lane and avoid improper lane changes.
The Cebu City Traffic Office (CCTO) conducted orientations for motorcycle riders and other road users during the transition period.
The city said the traffic scheme aims to improve movement along BanTal without relying on road widening, which officials said would require costly property acquisition along Gov. Cuenco Avenue.
Instead, the city is implementing traffic management measures such as passenger lay-bys, lane discipline, pedestrian controls, traffic signal adjustments, and increased enforcement.
CCTO officials earlier said the city coordinated with establishments along the corridor to identify possible locations for passenger loading areas.
Oplan BanTal started on Aug. 1 with an information and education campaign covering portions of Barangays Apas, Banilad, Kasambagan, and Talamban.
Beginning Wednesday, traffic enforcers will start issuing violations as the city shifts from the adjustment period to full implementation.
Photo courtesy of Nestor Archival / Facebook
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