The MMDA conducted a dry run of its exclusive motorcycle lanes on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Sunday, March 26, 2023. (File photo taken in July 2022 by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — More than 20,000 motorists were pulled over on Sunday during the dry run of the exclusive motorcycle lanes in Quezon City before its implementation today, said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Data from the MMDA showed that 4,527 of the 20,656 violators were motorcycle drivers who were caught driving outside their designated lane.
Meanwhile, 16,129 of them were four-wheel vehicle drivers who were accosted for using the lanes reserved for motorcycles.
Starting today, violating motorists and other vehicle drivers will be fined P500 while erring public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers must pay P1,200.
The motorcycle lane is located along Commonwealth Avenue — notorious for fatal vehicular and pedestrian accidents — from Elliptical Road to Doña Carmen Street.
The first lane is dedicated for bikes; second lane for PUVs; third lane for motorcycles; and the rest of the lanes are for other motor vehicles.
Drivers who intend to do a U-turn may deviate from their respective lane at 200 meters from the U-turn slot.
When entering or exiting side streets or intersections, vehicles may swerve from their lane using the transition lines or pavement markings at a minimum 100 meters from their dedicated lane.
Following the numerous violations in the dry run, the MMDA is coordinating with the Quezon City government to ensure that drivers obey the exclusive motorcycle lane.
“The policy’s purpose is to reduce motorcycle-related road crash incidents and ensure smooth traffic flow on this road,” MMDA said.