New truck ban sked in effect on May 2-5

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be implementing a new truck ban schedule during the Asian Development Bank (ADB) meeting in Manila from May 2 to 5.

In a radio interview Sunday, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said he came up with the idea to ensure lighter traffic in the city during the meeting expected to be attended by finance ministers and other high-ranking representatives from other countries.

Adjustments

“There will be adjustments on the time, particularly on San Marcelino Street in Manila and near [Rizal Park] from May 2 to 5,” he explained.

According to Tolentino, on these dates, trucks will be allowed to go out on the streets only from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Exempted from the ban are cargo vehicles carrying perishable items like food.

Under the current truck ban, cargo trucks are banned from major thoroughfares from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

Courtesy lanes

Tolentino announced that the MMDA would be putting up courtesy lanes for ADB delegates so they could motor to the Philippine International Convention Center, the venue of the three-day meet, without a hitch.

“Two lanes on Roxas Boulevard will be declared off-limits to other vehicles during the conference but after the delegates’ vehicles have passed, these will be opened again to normal vehicular traffic,” he said.

Around 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the meeting, he added.