QC bans trucks, heavy vehicles on 2 roads in Novaliches

In a bid to ease traffic, the Quezon City government has passed an ordinance banning trucks and other heavy vehicles from two roads in Novaliches during peak hours. Under Ordinance No. 2572-2012 signed on March 13, heavy motor vehicles cannot pass through Sauyo Road and Old Sauyo Road from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Covered by the ban are vehicles with six wheels or more, regardless of their purpose. While no weight limitations were set, buses and other motor vehicles classified by the Land Transportation Office as heavy vehicles would not be allowed to ply the two roads. Only motor vehicles owned by or having a contract with the government are exempted from the ordinance authored by Councilor Eric Medina. It was approved in line with the modified truck ban policy of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. The ordinance is expected to ease traffic on the two roads, from Quirino Highway and Mindanao Avenue to Dahlia Street. Sauyo and Old Sauyo roads are being used by motorists as alternate routes or shortcuts to and from North Luzon Expressway and Caloocan City, among others. Violators face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of up to one year. —Jhesset O. Enano