The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has further intensified its drive against ed his illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions along Mabuhay Lanes, referring to the alternate routes used by private motorists to avoid  being trapped in traffic alo ng Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
MMDA chairman Romando Artes, no less, led the operations on Thursday, conducted by the Special Operation Group – Strike Force (SOG-SF), resulting in the apprehension of 60 vehicles and the impounding of four cars and five motorcycles in the vicinities of Araneta Avenue, Banawe Street, Panay Street, and Timog Avenue, all in Quezon City.
Owners of the illegally parked vehicles were slapped with P1,000 fine, while those unattended were fined P2,000. Towed vehicles were brought to the agency’s impounding area in Tumana, Marikina.
The campaign aims to clear roadways for the upcoming holiday season when traffic is expected to worsen.
Artes formed the 70-man SOG-SF team to augment the clearing operations against illegally parked vehicles in Mabuhay Lanes and other critical areas in the National Capital Region.
“The strike force conducts regular clearing operations on all Mabuhay Lanes and reported areas to ensure that alternate routes for EDSA are passable and obstruction-free. They will be equipped with body-worn cameras and handheld ticketing devices which they will use in their operation,” said Artes.
The Mabuhay Lanes are alternative routes to the 23.8-kilometer EDSA. These cover the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City. It also includes secondary roads going to shopping destinations in Metro Manila such as Baclaran in Parañaque, Greenhills
“The MMDA is serious in its bid to decongest EDSA and provide motorists with alternate routes that are passable and free from obstructions. We are closely coordinating with the local government units and the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure that these roads will be maintained obstruction-free,” Artes said.
The MMDA chief urged the public to report to the agency areas where there is a high concentration of illegally parked vehicles.
