Violators told to claim seized licenses, plates

STRICT TRAFFIC POLICY --- Traffic enforcers confiscate the license of a commuter van driver after caught violating the “absolute no parking” ordinance along major thoroughfares – Sinsuat and Quezon Avenues – in Cotabato City on Monday (November 18). More than 1,000 confiscated driver’s licenses and vehicle registration documents remain to be claimed at the Traffic Management Office since the new Traffic Code was implemented in August this year. (PHOTO COURTESY OF COTABATO CIO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- Traffic violators here are advised to claim their confiscated drivers’ licenses and motor vehicle registration documents at the City Traffic Management Unit (CTMU) Office to avoid high surcharges.

Retired Col. Rolen Balquin, City Public Safety Office chief, said drivers’ licenses, motor vehicle registration records, and license plates can be claimed only after payment of corresponding penalties and undergoing a two-hour seminar.

“I would like to remind that pending traffic penalties will incur surcharges and must be settled by owners within three days after they were apprehended and penalized,” Balquin said over a local radio station last Monday.

CTMU records showed that there are currently more than 1,000 licenses still to be claimed at its office.

In August this year, the city government implemented the “absolute no parking” ordinance along Sinsuat and Quezon Avenues to address the growing traffic congestion in major thoroughfares.

“Since then, many have been caught violating the Traffic Code,” Balquin said.

The city caters daily to some 7,000 vehicles on its streets, including tricycles, pedicabs, and “habal-habal” (motorcycle-for-rent) services.

Balquin said the city government has given ample time for owners to claim their confiscated licenses, plate numbers, and registration records.

He added that long overdue unclaimed drivers’ licenses and vehicle registration would be handed over to the Land Transportation Office for possible cancellation. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)