Cebu night market vendors protest vehicle restrictions

Organized merchants protested the municipal government's decision to bar public and private cars from entering main routes leading to the Carbon Night Market in a position paper given to Cebu Councilor Nestor Archival.

“Our income has decreased greatly due to the restriction on the entry of vehicles through the placing of yellow railings, orange traffic barriers, and ‘No Entry’ signs on the streets,” read part of the document.

The local government reportedly started erecting signs, railings, and traffic barriers on May 1 in the vicinity of the Warwick Barracks before moving on to MC Briones Street, Manalili Street, Plaridel Street, and F, according to Wine Miro, vice-chairperson of the vendor group Carbonhanong Alyansya. Gonzales Avenue.

The traffic rule, effective during Carbon Night Market hours from 6 pm to 6 am, significantly reduced consumer traffic, especially during the busy hours. This deprives customers with vehicles, who are a significant part of wholesale vendors' income.

After many weeks of low sales, 63-year-old market vendor Linda Ruiz has seen a downturn in her business. She and her family had to eat smaller meals as a result of the "pedestrianization" that started on May 1. Spice vendor Ruiz participated in a protest sponsored by Carbonhanong Alyansya members.

To make the roads around the Carbon Market "passable" for customers, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama ordered their clearance. With karumateros and electric tricycles for large customers, the United Multi-Sectoral Council of Cebu City (UMC-4) has arranged night market sellers to set up stores in consistent lines. Rama is not aware of any roadblocks, but he will consult with the UMC-4 to see how best to handle the problem.

Via rappler