THE Metro Manila Development Authority has generated about P2.4 million in additional revenue during the first five days of implementation of a policy prohibiting lightweight trucks on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and Shaw Boulevard.
Based on the latest report released by the agency’s Public Information Office, a total of 1,234 trucks, mostly cargo, pick-up and delivery vans, were apprehended by MMDA traffic enforcers from March 20 to 24.
The highest number of apprehended lightweight trucks was made on Monday along Edsa when 600 drivers were caught violating the Light Truck Ban.
On the first day, traffic enforcers apprehended 377 truck drivers from 6 a.m. to10 a.m.
Violators were slapped with a P2,000 fine.
Initial assessment of the traffic situation along Edsa following the enforcement of the policy showed the travel speed of motorists plying Edsa increased by five minutes, MMDA acting chairman Thomas Orbos said.
The ban is being enforced in the following areas:
• Southbound lane Edsa (from North Avenue in Quezon City to Magallanes in Makati City) and whole stretch of Shaw Boulevard (cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig) from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.; and
• Northbound lane of Edsa (from Magallanes to North Avenue) and whole stretch of Shaw Boulevard (Mandaluyong and Pasig) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Under the policy, trucks which have a gross capacity weight of 4,500 kgs. and below will not be allowed to pass Edsa and Shaw Boulevard from Monday to Saturday except Sundays and holidays.
Light trucks carrying perishable goods are not covered by the ban but they still need to apply for exemption.
Also exempted are government and emergency vehicles such as firetrucks and ambulances.
Orbos said the MMDA came up with the scheme after members of the Metro Manila Council, the agency’s governing board and the policy-making body, composed of the 17 local chief executives in the metropolis, approved a resolution banning light trucks from plying the two major thoroughfares to improve the traffic situation.
He added there was a necessity to regulate the light trucks on the roads which have also contributed significantly to traffic congestion in the metropolis.
“This is only one of the several measures approved by the local executives during the meeting in an effort to further improve traffic condition in Metro Manila,” Orbos said.
Aside from the light truck ban, there is also a total ban for heavy trucks on the entire stretch of Edsa from Magallanes to North Avenue except Sundays and holidays.
The ban covers trailer trucks, stake trucks, dump trucks, cement trucks/mixers, long bed trucks, wing vans, closed vans, panel trucks, and other similar vehicles.