Over 2K vehicles violate EDSA traffic scheme: MMDA

EDSA, Mandaluyong
 (Photo by Judgefloro – Own work, CC0)

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has apprehended 2,657 motorists that did not comply with the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) for the first two days of its dry run.

Data from the MMDA show that 2,412 vehicles were monitored through its CCTV cameras while 245 were captured through handy cameras of traffic enforcers deployed on the ground.

Some 7,063 heavily-tinted vehicles were likewise monitored to have violated the proposed traffic scheme.

“Heavily tinted vehicles still remain a challenge in monitoring compliance with the HOV Lane,” MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said.

The MMDA will continue to implement its dry run until Friday and will assess if there is a need to implement the HOV Lane.

Vehicles with at least two or more passengers inside may pass through the HOV Lane to be located at the fifth and leftmost lane along EDSA.

Motorcycle riders could also use the said lane aside from the motorcycle lane at the fourth lane.

Private car drivers with no companion can still use the motorcycle lane, second and third lanes, from the MRT.

Violators will be apprehended through no-contact apprehension and pay a fine of PHP500 once this is fully implemented.

Meanwhile, the MMDA will implement a 50 kilometer per hour (kph) speed limit in EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue and C-5 Road from the previous 60 kph starting Thursday.

The speed limit aims to reduce incidents of vehicular accidents in major thoroughfares along Metro Manila.