Truckers vs new ban get their way

A day after trucking organizations aired their strong opposition to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) plan to impose a total daytime truck ban on major roads, the agency decided to shelve the idea for next year.

The MMDA on Friday said the implementation of the current truck ban, originally set to expire Saturday, will be extended until Jan. 5, 2014.

The postponement was announced after the Special Traffic Committee (STC) of the Metro Manila Council issued a resolution approving the six-month extension of the modified uniform truck ban.

Under the current regulation, trucks weighing more than 4,500 kilograms, except those delivering perishable goods, are banned from major thoroughfares from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., everyday except Sundays and holidays. A total truck ban is also imposed on Edsa, from Magallanes in Makati City to North Avenue in Quezon City.

The proposed total daytime truck ban allows cargo trucks on main roads only from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said the extension of the current trucking regulation would give the STC enough time to address the issues raised against the total daytime truck ban.

“I am confident that the STC, through consultation with the private sector, government agencies and other stakeholders, will be able to craft and formulate a permanent truck ban regulation for Metro Manila before Jan. 5 next year,” Tolentino said in a statement.

In a meeting with the MMDA on Wednesday, trucking organizations warned that a total daytime ban would adversely affect businesses.