EDWIN BACASMAS/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday announced that it is set to conduct a trial run of regulating light trucks along EDSA and the entire stretch of Shaw Boulevard that traverses Mandaluyong and Pasig starting on Wednesday.
This was after the approval of resolution banning light trucks from plying the two major thoroughfares to improve the traffic situation.
During the recent meeting with agency’s policy-making body, Metro Manila Council (MMC) and Metro Manila mayors, the latter gave the green light to MMDA to conduct the said test run from March 15 to June 15.
Trucks which have a gross capacity weight of 4,500 kilograms will not be allowed to pass EDSA and Shaw Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. under the approved MMC resolution.
It will be enforced from Monday to Saturday except on Sundays and holidays.
However, light trucks carrying perishable goods will be exempted but will still need to apply for exemption. Government and emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances will also be exempted.
MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said there is a necessity to regulate the light trucks on the roads which have also contributed significantly to traffic congestion in Metro.
“This is only one of the several measures that [have] been approved by the local executives during the meeting in an effort to further improve traffic condition in Metro Manila,” Orbos said in a statement.
Under the said resolution, a P2,000 fine will be slapped against violators. RAM/rga