ILOILO City – A newly-approved ordinance prohibits the use of skateboards, roller skates and roller blades along sidewalks and streets in this southern city.
“The possibility of meeting an accident as a result of individuals using skateboards, roller skates and roller blades along sidewalks, streets and other thoroughfares in Iloilo City is not remote,” read part of the ordinance approved during Wednesday’s regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).
The city government sought to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists by regulating the use of skateboards, roller skates and roller blades and similar human-powered, wheel-mounted riding vehicles.
The new measure, authored by Councilor Johnny Young, stressed that pedestrians should be assured that no harm will come their way.
Section 4 of the ordinance provides privately owned areas can be used as skateboard or rollerblade activity areas as long as there is consent from the owner.
The same is true with public spaces specifically designated by the city for the use of skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, and other such like devices.
Violators of the ordinance will face corresponding penalties:
* first offense – warning and information on the prohibition on the use of skateboards, roller skates or roller blades
* second offense – confiscation of skateboards, roller skates or roller blades and a fine of P1,000. If the offender is unable to pay the fine, he/she can opt to do four hours of community service in his barangay.
* third and succeeding offenses – confiscation of skateboards, roller skates or roller blades and a fine of P2,000. If the offender is unable to pay the fine, he/she can opt to do eight hours of community service in his barangay.
The skateboard, roller skates or roller blades confiscated and impounded by the implementing authority will be released to the owner or authorized representative upon presentation of official receipt for payment of fine or barangay certificate for completion of community service.
In cases where the offender is a minor, the confiscated devices can only be released to the parent and/or authorized guardian upon presentation of official receipt for payment of fine or barangay certificate for completion of community service.
The Public Safety and Transportation Management Office is tasked to enforce the ordinance in coordination with the Liga ng mga Barangay and the police, if necessary.
The ordinance, however, has an exemption such as city-sponsored and private events duly authorized to conduct skateboarding on public streets, the city public plazas and any other places that may be identified or designated by the SP as skateboarding areas subject to laws, rules and regulations imposed therein.
The ordinance takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation here./PN
