MMDA reminds motorists: Emergency bays not for parking

A car being towed away after a traffic violation. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has warned vehicle owners against using emergency bays as parking areas, saying these open spaces are meant for stalled vehicles, which need to have minor fixes.

Vehicles that stop on the road because of mechanical problems are the ones only allowed to use these emergency bays, according to MMDA towing group chief Victor Nuñez.

“However, we allow them to fix their cars and stay on these bays for only two hours,” Nuñez said, responding to an observation that emergency bays going to Taft Avenue and Edsa Extension have been turned into parking areas by some vehicles.

The towing head said they would check the area and remove parked vehicles found in these emergency bays. He, however, said that sometimes, cars were permitted to park in some of these areas because of local government ordinances or barangay officials allowing them to leave their vehicles.

“We have instructed towing companies not to immediately tow stalled vehicles but help them first reach a road shoulder or an emergency bay where they can check their tires or engine [for possible problems],” Nuñez explained.

The MMDA towing head addressed questions in the wake of an extortion attempt in Quezon City, allegedly by personnel from an accredited towing company.

Nuñez said the agency has told accredited towing companies not to immediately tow stalled vehicles if they were not obstructing the flow vehicles but help them first address their concerns with their cars, like replacing flat tires.

The agency has provided a refresher seminar and examination on towing procedures to 270 personnel of MMDA-accredited towing personnel who will also undergo a mandatory drug test to weed out individuals who extort money from motorists.

Nuñez said they would also place a complaint desk at the Ultra impounding area in Pasig City where motorists can lodge their complaints, like overpricing or extortion by towing personnel.  SFM/rga