To make roads safer for motorists and pedestrians, the Quezon City government Monday warned business establishments to provide ample parking spaces for motorcycles or face the possibility of fines and sanctions.

Citing oil price hike, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte noted the rising number of motorcycles in Metro Manila, including in Quezon City, making it necessary for private and government firms to allot parking spaces for motorcycle owners.

Belmonte earlier signed a measure instructing business establishments in the city to provide parking space for motorbikes not only to ease traffic congestion but also to minimize theft.

The Quezon City Motorbike Parking Ordinance requires major business establishments like malls, banks, restaurants and entertainment centers to allot motorbike parking spaces within their premises.

Belmonte said that the Bureau of Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) under Pacifico Maghacot will thoroughly check business establishments to ensure that the Motorbike Parking Ordinance is strictly followed.

Belmonte said that violators will be imprisoned for one year and fined P5,000 or both depending on the court’s decision.

The Quezon City government is keen on improving the lives of the residents as evidenced by three major measures passed in less than a year on orderliness in the streets.

In mid-2008, an ordinance was passed prohibiting trucks and heavy equipment vehicles from using the sidewalks as their parking spaces to allow the smooth flow of traffic.