MMDA: Higher fines for illegal parking starting Jan. 7

Starting Jan. 7, motorists caught parking their vehicles illegally anywhere in Metro Manila will be slapped with a P2,000 fine — or four times the current amount — as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) intensifies its road-clearing operations across the capital.

The fine for vehicles illegally parked but with the driver inside will be P1,000, up from the current P200.

Obstructing traffic by loading or unloading passengers illegally or disregarding one-way signs entails a fine of P1,000. Yellow lane violators must also pay P1,000.

The sharp increases have been approved by the Metro Manila Council, the policymaking body of the MMDA, according to MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Garcia said the new rates apply to all public roads, except in subdivisions and roads already covered by existing parking ordinances.

The increase was also part of the MMDA short-term traffic measures to decongest Metro Manila streets. It was supposed to be implemented this month, but the agency decided to move it to Jan. 7, 2019, due to lack of traffic personnel and the need for more time to set up ticketing systems.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago earlier said part of their enforcement issues was lack of funds for essential equipment and staff.

Illegal parking is among the 10 most common traffic violations recorded by the MMDA each year.

The MMDA said there were 26,110 illegally parked vehicles apprehended but were not towed in 2017, up from 20,467 in 2016.

Illegally parked vehicles caught and subsequently towed reached 19,126 in 2017, from 14,222 in 2016.