Senate bill mandates installation of timers in all traffic lights

A bill mandating the installation of timers in all traffic lights in urban and rural areas  has been filed in the Senate.

Senator Mark Villar filed Senate Bill 1959 or the proposed Traffic Lights and Pedestrian Act to “reduce the confusion, risk of accidents, and possible violations.”

In his explanatory note, Villar said the absence of timers makes it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to anticipate the color alert changes. Thus, it is challenging for them to properly respond to the signal.

Under the bill, the Department of Transportation will require the installation of timers within one year from the effectivity of the proposed law.

The timers shall be designed to display the time remaining until the traffic light changes and shall be clearly visible to drivers and pedestrians.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, in coordination with the local government units, are tasked to ensure the maintenance and proper functioning of the timers on traffic lights.

Persons, entities or local government units who will be found non-compliant to the provisions of the proposed law shall face a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000.—AOL, GMA Integrated News