Baguio City to strictly enforce 20-30 km/h speed limit amid road crashes

In a move to curb the increasing number of road crashes, the City Government of Baguio will strictly enforce existing speed limits of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour (km/h) on all of its roads. This decision was reached during a recent meeting involving city officials, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Public Order and Safety Division, and other concerned agencies.

The measure, which was passed by the city council in 2019 but has yet to be implemented, will now be rigorously enforced. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong stated that a maximum speed of 20 km/h will be imposed within the city’s central business district and other major thoroughfares. All inner roads within the city will have a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h.

To ensure compliance with these new regulations, the city government will be procuring speed monitoring devices and sensors. Mayor Magalong also emphasized the city’s dedication to public safety and the prevention of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

“This is to underscore the city’s commitment to public safety and the prevention of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Motorists are strongly urged to comply with these speed limits at all times. Let us work together to keep Baguio’s roads safe for everyone,” said Magalong.

Data from police records indicate a concerning rise in vehicular accidents. From January 1 to May 29 of this year, there were already 377 road crash incidents, resulting in eight fatalities. This is an increase compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 313 incidents.

Mayor Magalong also announced that the city government will acquire breathalyzers to apprehend intoxicated drivers, particularly during nighttime hours.

Separately, BCPO Director Col. Ruel Tagel revealed that they are also implementing “Oplan Discipline, Respect, Infrastructure, Vigilance and Education (Oplan DRIVE)”—a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing the recent surge in vehicular accidents.

Col. Tagel also explained that Oplan DRIVE integrates driver behavior, road infrastructure, and law enforcement measures to enhance road safety.

“This is anchored on the three E’s of road safety, Engineering, Education and Enforcement, that seeks to strengthen synergy among agencies as they carry out their respective traffic safety mandates,” said Tagel.

With the stricter enforcement of speed limits and the implementation of Oplan DRIVE, Baguio City authorities are taking decisive steps to improve road safety for all residents and visitors.