MMDA eyes speed limits on 4 more major roads

MANILA, Philippines–The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is studying the possibility of placing speed limits on four other major thoroughfares after what it calls the “successful” implementation of one that has reduced accidents in the “killer highway” of Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City

MMDA chair Francis Tolentino disclosed on Monday that he has been keen on moderating the traffic pace along Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Avenue in Manila, Osmeña highway in Makati, and Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, after accidents along Commonwealth Avenue dipped due to the 60 kilometer-per-hour speed limit.

He said the proposal has been under evaluation by the agency.

Among the factors being considered in implementing a speed limit on the roads is the availability of infrastructure that would enable the MMDA to install traffic cameras and speed guns along the roads to make random checks on speeding motorists, according to assistant general manager for planning Tina Velasco.

In Commonwealth Avenue’s case, the MMDA installed the traffic cameras and speed guns to make random checks on speeding motorists. Cameras capture the license plates of these vehicles, which they use in verifying the identities of vehicle owners with the Land Transportation Office, for the purpose of imposing the appropriate fines.

Velasco said in a radio interview on Sunday that the implementation of the speed limit contributed significantly in reducing accidents along Commonwealth Avenue, touted as the widest road in the country and once called the “killer highway” because of the high number of accidents occurring there annually.