Traffic has become a daily frustration for motorists in Dagupan City as vehicle volume continues to surge during the holiday season, leaving major roads congested and parking spaces packed early in the day.

Motorists say the problem is fueled by both the growing number of vehicles and the lack of available parking areas in the city.

Noel Cera, a driver, said many streets are already full by morning.

“Kasi maraming bawal diyan sa gilid-gilid kaya kung minsan, umaga pa lang, punong-puno na kami… Alas siyete hanggang alas diyes, punong-puno na ‘yun,” he said.

Another motorist, Kenjie Yam, said he spends time circling around just to find a spot.

“Naglilibot-libot na lang po. Maraming parking pero puno rin po,” he said.

With more vehicles clogging the streets, some drivers have resorted to parking on sidewalks. The Dagupan Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) has tightened enforcement of the city’s No Parking Ordinance, especially in the central business district.

POSO Chief Officer Arvin Decano warned that sidewalk parking not only violates the law but also puts pedestrians at risk.

“Talaga ho [mayroon] tayong mahuhuli diyan kasi hindi naman puwedeng ‘yung tao ang dadaan na sa kalsada. Gagawa po ‘yan ng traffic,” he said.

Motorists caught leaving unattended vehicles face fines of up to ₱1,000.

POSO is urging the public to follow traffic laws and use designated parking areas to ease congestion. Decano also clarified where motorists should park in key areas of the city.

“Dito sa ABF kasi, sa left side ang parking pag going to Burgos. Pagdating sa Perez naman, right side,” he said.