500 motorcycle riders fined P500 for going outside blue lanes

Around 500 riders were flagged down by enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday, the first day of the strict implementation of the designated motorcycle lanes on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

Most of violators claimed that they did not know of the agency’s new traffic policy despite a week-long dry run last week as part of an

information drive, according to MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos.

“It’s been a week that we’ve been implementing this [but the violators’] usual argument was they did not know about it,” Carlos said in a radio interview. “I’d like to remind them that ignorance of the law excuses no one.”

Aside from accosting those who strayed outside the so-called blue lanes, traffic enforcers also apprehended motorcyclists who were not dressed in the proper riding gear. These included those who were clad in short pants and slippers, he added.

Those who were flagged down were issued a traffic violation ticket and meted out a fine of P500.

They also underwent a 15-minute on-the-spot safety riding seminar. The riders were given stickers afterward to show that they had attended the seminar.

Carlos, meanwhile, reminded those who were issued tickets to pay the fine immediately at the MMDA headquarters in Orense, Makati, or in any Metrobank branch nationwide since the agency would recommend that the Land Transportation Office blacklist drivers with unpaid fines.

“In effect, they cannot renew their licenses,” he explained.

Violators of the motorcycle lane face a fine of P500 each time they stray outside the blue lanes.