Standing in parking slots may be banned

A proposed law prohibiting persons from standing in parking spaces to reserve them was filed in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

House Bill 11076, or the proposed Mindful Parking Act, aims to put an end to the now common practice by penalizing individuals who stand in parking slots to reserve it for their companion with the car, physically blocking off other vehicles.

The bill’s proponent, Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña, said this “unwholesome practice” not only violates common courtesy and the basic principle that parking should be on a first-come, first-served basis but also endangers individuals standing in spaces intended for motor vehicles.

If enacted, a penalty of P2,000 (first offense) to up to P10,000 (third offense) with revocation of driver’s license will be imposed on persons found violating the law.

Under the bill, private establishments shall also adopt and implement their own policies, with appropriate fines and penalties. Failing to do so, a fine of up to P50,000 will be imposed on the owner of the private establishment.

The measure will require the Land Transportation Office to oversee the law, which shall likewise formulate the rules and regulations for its implementation.

The proposed measure follows similar local ordinances such as that in Marikina City which prohibits similar behavior.

MMDA acts

Due to its prevalence, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) said on Thursday it was studying the passage of a uniform ordinance penalizing individuals breaking the parking etiquette.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes said the council will study a resolution prohibiting people from standing on parking slots to reserve them following incidents in the past few days that, in most cases, resulted in a physical confrontation between the individuals involved.

He said the council members discussed the possibility of the MMC passing a resolution urging the local government units of Metro Manila to prohibit the reservation of parking spaces by standing on it.

The resolution was supposed to be passed by the 17-member council during their meeting, but they opted to first study and expand the existing ordinance of Quezon City prohibiting parking slot reservation.