MMDA implements street parking ban to ease traffic in Metro Manila

OFF-LIMITS A vehicle is towed in San Juan City following Mayor Francis Zamora’s Executive Order No. 4 banning parking on some roads in Barangay Greenhills between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. The MMDA has ordered Metro mayors to “reclaim all public roads.” —INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has banned street parking on national primary roads, with the prohibition also in place for secondary roads during designated time periods.

The MMDA said in a statement on Tuesday that Metro Manila mayors, as members of the Metro Manila Council, have passed MMDA Regulation No. 25-001, prohibiting street parking on national primary roads in Metro Manila.

The ban would also be in place for secondary roads but only from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., similar to how the MMDA implements its number coding scheme.

READ: LIST: Roads covered by parking ban based on MMDA resolution

Beyond the designated time period, local government units (LGUs) may allow street parking on secondary roads, according to the resolution.

The MMDA said it seeks to execute the ban before the onset of the holiday season. Enforcers with body-worn cameras will also be deployed to implement the ban.

Penalties for violating the parking ban shall be in accordance with the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, the MMDA said.

MMDA chair Don Artes noted that LGUs would have to pass new ordinances or amend existing ones to remain consistent with the new regulation.

The ban would also apply to terminals of public utility vehicles, which are now banned on national primary and secondary roads. The MMDA said LGUs would be the ones to identify appropriate locations for these terminals in their respective jurisdictions.

READ: LIST: No parking zones in the City of Manila

Excepted from the regulation, on the other hand, are emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances, stalled cars or motorcycles, as well as other authorized vehicles.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila mayors stressed that the regulation is “not absolute,” with LGUs to be given due consideration for their local zoning, traffic, business and other related concerns.

“LGUs will determine what roads where parking will be allowed which have less foot traffic and won’t cause obstruction to traffic, especially emergency vehicles,” San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, who is also the president of the MMC, said in a statement. /jpv