THE Metro Manila Development Authority has intensified its campaign against illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions on major and secondary roads amid complaints from motorists concerning the worsening traffic situation in the metropolis.
Members of MMDA’s Anti-Illegal Parking and Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group continuously clear the areas of all illegally parked vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles along Kamias Road, Kamuning Road, and Tomas Morato Avenue; Cubao Area along J.P. Rizal, P. Tuazon, and 20th Avenue, and in Barangay Veterans Village, all in Quezon City.
During the illegal parking operations in Veterans Village, the MMDA personnel also discovered that most of the apprehended tricycles had no proper documentation while drivers had no valid licenses.
The MMDA men led by traffic supervising officer for operations Edison Nebrija also conducted anti-illegal terminal operations along Lacson Avenue in Quezon City where they caught two buses owned and operated by Victory Liner.
While on their way back to Timog Avenue office base, the team also chanced upon a JAM Transit bus illegally parked along Sgt. Esguerra Street in the Scout Area.
In Manila, the MMDA personnel cleared Andalucia Street and Bacood area of all illegal parking and illegal vendors.
Sidewalk clearing operations were also conducted along National Irrigation Administration Road, Luzon Avenue, Congressional Avenue Extension, Agham Road, Times Street, West Triangle, all in Quezon City.
The MMDA conducted the operations in close coordination with the Quezon City’s Department of Public Order and Safety, Manila City government traffic management office and barangay officials in the subject areas.
Aside from the road clearing operations, the agency has also committed to provide directional signage for motorists as well as road markings like yellow boxes, pedestrian lanes and rumble strips.
Motorists and commuters experienced what they described as the worst traffic situation along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and other major thoroughfares between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday, June 30.
“My Friday-payday-rainy-traffic-in-Manila story is enduring a man’s big butt near my face, for more than an hour, because the bus was packed and he chose to stand in the aisle sideways. I kept silent because everyone was having a hard time and at least I had a seat,” shared Allison Lopez of Makati City.
“Heavy traffic on both Edsa northbound and southbound lanes, expecting heavy rain any moment. Good luck to all motorist,” Raoul Esperas said in his Facebook account.