EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN REGULATING TRAFFIC LAWS AT BAGONG SILANG CALOOCAN CITY

Abstract

Traffic management is a persistent issue in many urban areas, and Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, is no exception. Increasing vehicle volume, insufficient infrastructure, and a rapidly growing population contribute to congestion, safety concerns, and poor compliance with traffic laws. This study examines the effectiveness of the Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management (DPSTM) in enforcing traffic regulations in Bagong Silang. The effectiveness of regulation is influenced by factors such as public awareness, enforcement consistency, and community attitudes toward traffic laws. This study utilizes a quantitative descriptive research design to evaluate the DPSTM’s effectiveness in managing traffic in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. A total of 50 respondents participated, categorized into three groups: 20 traffic enforcers, 20 drivers, and 10 residents. Data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire designed to measure perceptions of enforcement practices, challenges, and potential solutions. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and weighted mean, were used to analyze the responses. According to the data gathered, the largest proportion of respondents (34%) were aged 26–33, while the majority (86%) were male. More than half (52%) were married, and 34% had resided in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, for 4 to 6 years. Based on the respondents’ assessments, traffic management obtained an overall weighted mean of 3.50, interpreted as “Highly Effective.” Respondents identified “overloading and oversized vehicles” and “lack of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure” as the most significant challenges in Bagong Silang, with both indicators receiving 98%. Additionally, the indicators “conduct a traffic sign and marking audit, repair or replace damaged signs, and install new ones as needed” and “launch public awareness campaigns, conduct seminars, and distribute educational materials” each received a score of 90%. The findings suggest that traffic enforcement in Bagong Silang is generally effective but faces persistent challenges related to infrastructure and community behavior. Educational initiatives are recommended to reduce the burden on traffic enforcers by fostering more responsible road use among the public. These programs may also help decrease traffic violations and accidents, allowing enforcers to concentrate on more critical tasks. The study highlights the importance of combining enforcement with education and infrastructure improvements to create a more efficient and safer traffic management system.