By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced on Monday that he instructed the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) to reassess all areas designated for paid parking, towing zones, and other regulated and non-regulated parking spaces across the city.
This directive follows the BTAO’s implementation of a 45-day experimental free parking scheme on Lacson Street, particularly in areas near restaurants, which began on September 9.
The move was initiated in response to requests from the business sector.
The free parking will be available from Monday to Friday, starting at 7 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. the next day.
On weekends, the policy will be enforced 24 hours a day, Mayor Benitez said.
According to the BTAO, the experiment aims to strike a balance between ensuring smooth traffic flow on Lacson Street and giving business owners an opportunity to provide convenient parking for their customers.
If successful, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) may formalize the initiative by enacting it into law.
During a press briefing, Benitez explained that the experiment would not significantly impact traffic since it takes place after school and work hours.
“The two-hour window before the experiment begins helps alleviate rush-hour congestion, which led to this recommendation,” Benitez said, adding that traffic usually peaks during rush hour.
The mayor reiterated the city’s aim to reduce traffic congestion on Lacson Street, particularly during busy times.
“BTAO will regularly capture video footage of the traffic during the trial period and will compile data to evaluate the experiment’s effectiveness,” he said.
The free parking trial will cover Lacson Street from the old airport area to Barangay Bata and is set to conclude on October 24.
BTAO will not enforce clamping or towing operations during the trial, but traffic violators will still be penalized.
Mayor Benitez emphasized the need to clearly mark regulated and non-regulated parking zones, as well as towing areas, to keep the public informed.
He also noted the need to review and possibly revise the existing pay parking ordinance previously approved by the SP.
