No garage, no car. This is what the new law on buying a car is all about.
Called House Bill No. 5098 or "The Proof of Parking Space Act," filed by Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, the new measure shall require buyers of brand new cars, whether individual or firms, to execute an affidavit indicating the availability of existing parking space for the vehicle to be bought.
In other words, if you don't have a parking space for a car, then you won't be allowed to buy one.
The proposal was brought about by new statistics that by the year 2015, vehicle sales can reach to about 300,000 units. Logically, if buyers don't have their own garages, this cars will end up parked at side streets.
In his website, Gatchalian explained
“Although it is good news for the automotive industry, it is bad news for Metro Manila motorists and commuters who must brace themselves for slower traffic as more cars join the vehicle population,”
“And traffic congestion in the capital is worsened by the idle vehicles parked on the sides of streets, hampering the flow of automobile and foot traffic,”
“The street is primarily intended for vehicular or foot traffic and should not be appropriated as personal parking spaces for these vehicles,"
With the new law, Gatchalian said that motor vehicle owners should be made responsible to provide a permanent parking space for their own private vehicles, whether this is made an integral part of their house or building structure or a leased facility.
A prerequisite for registration
The new law orders the Land Transportation Office to make such affidavit a prerequisite in the registration of vehicles. The LTO, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and other concerned local government units are mandated to make ocular inspections in implementing the Act.
Penalties
Owners found making untrue claims shall have their vehicle registration revoked and will be banned from registering a motor vehicle under their name for three years. Violators will also be fined P50,000.
LTO personnel who allow the registration of vehicles despite knowing the falsity of the affidavit, or without the required document, shall be suspended for three months without pay.
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