Bacolod inks contract with MTS over vehicles in tow-away zones

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โ€ข CHERYL G. CRUZ

The Bacolod City government has signed an agreement with Metro Towing Services (MTS) to haul vehicles clamped for parking in prohibited places, and in areas designated as tow-away zones.

Mayor Alfredo Benitez signed the memorandum of agreement with MTS, owned by Francis Desales, Nov. 3, with the contract set to take effect after the MOA ratification by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, likely on Nov. 8.

Under the agreement, the MTS will collect P1,500 in towing fee from owners of cars, jeepneys, all motorized and three-wheeled vehicles weighing 4,500 kilograms and below, for the first four kilometers, and an additional rate of P200 per kilometer.

For clamped delivery vans, trucks, and other vehicles weighing between 4,501 to 7,500 kilograms, the towing rate is P2,500 for the first four kilometers and an additional P200 each succeeding kilometer; while owners or operators of buses, trucks, heavy equipment, and other vehicles weighing 7,501 kilograms and above, the towing fee is P4,500, as per the MOA.

In City Ordinance 1035, any vehicle may be towed at any time if parked in tow-away zones, like in the loading and unloading zones for PUVs, within six meters or any intersection or curved lane, in front of all authorized public and private driveways, on designated bicycle lanes, within four meters of driveways or entrances to any fire station and hospital, within four meters of fire hydrants, on pedestrian crosswalks, on the sidewalks, paths, and alleys not intended for parking, and on any bridges and at the foot of any bridge.

Last month, the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office installed fixed signages, with red marks equivalent to strict no-parking zones, and yellow signs for regulated parking hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The initial operation covers Lacson extension to Bata border, the city said.

Benitez said that towed vehicles will initially be impounded near the new BTAO office at Bazket BCD, Lacson Street.

MTS will remit to the city government a monthly share, after net expenses, of 25 percent from the collection of towing fees. | CGC