Traffic along Edsa has improved following the implementation of a ban on light trucks that resulted in the absence of close to 3,000 vehicles, mostly delivery vans, along the 23.8-kilometer highway and the entire stretch of Shaw Boulevard which traverses the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig.
“We’re still reviewing it but generally we observed and I would say based on the initial findings, not less than five minutes increase in the travel speed,” acting Metro Manila Development Authority 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.
Orbos said members of the Metro Manila Council, the governing board and the policy-making body of the MMDA, initially suggested that the ban should be enforced on both lanes at the same time.
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.
It also stated that 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.
Violators will be slapped with a P2,000 fine.