MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Sunday reiterated that the yellow lanes on EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) are off-limits to armored vans which carry cash from banks or other establishments.

MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando said that drivers of armored vehicles were among the most frequent violators of traffic rules, often citing security as an excuse.

According to Fernando, he has ordered the agency’s traffic enforcers to go after armored van drivers who insist on using the yellow lanes which are reserved for both provincial buses and passenger buses plying Metro Manila.

“Drivers of armored vans should not think that they are above the law just because they carry a large amount of money. They should not think that they are exempted from the law,” he said.

The MMDA earlier warned motorists using EDSA that it would strictly enforce the yellow lane policy as part of its Organized Bus Route scheme.

Fernando said that armored van owners should just beef up their security or coordinate with enforcement agencies if they feel that they need more protection.

“They should not think that [they are exempted from following the law] just because they are carrying a large amount of cash. That’s why they have those heavily armed security escorts—to take care of any threats,” he said, adding that his office has received several complaints from motorists about armored van drivers.

Ambulances and other emergency and rescue vehicles, as well as fire trucks and police and military vehicles, are allowed on the yellow lane but only during emergencies.