Aside from the reimplementation of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding scheme, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is also imposing a modified light truck ban on EDSA.
Light trucks are now banned on EDSA [Photo: Patrickroque01]
The MMDA said that light trucks are prohibited to drive through EDSA from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, except during holidays. The agency clarified that light trucks are not allowed on EDSA between Magallanes in Makati City, and North Avenue in Quezon City (both northbound and southbound).
The MMDA explained that light trucks refer to motor vehicles with a gross capacity of 4,500 kilograms or below, and/or having six or more tires. The ban applies to light trucks whether it is for commercial use or not.
On the other hand, the total truck ban policy along EDSA (Magallanes until North Avenue), both northbound and southbound, is still strictly enforced by the MMDA. However, garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and trucks carrying essential and/or perishable goods are exempted from the total truck ban on EDSA.
Total truck ban in other NCR roads still suspended
MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos added that the truck ban hours in the National Capital Region (NCR) shall remain suspended until further notice. Abalos explained that the continued suspension of truck ban in other NCR roads is better as compared to allowing trucks to drive through during certain hours. Abalos said that the continued suspension of truck ban in other NCR roads will distribute the flow of trucks better.
Trucks refer to motor vehicles, whether for commercial use or not, with a gross capacity weight of above 4,500 kilograms.
EDSA traffic
The resumption of the light truck ban on EDSA coincided with the reimplementation of the number coding scheme. The MMDA is imposing the number coding scheme from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, except holidays. Only private vehicles will be covered by the number coding, as public utility vehicles (PUVs) are still operating at limited capacity under Alert Level 2. Meanwhile, Makati City is strictly implementing the number coding scheme since last May.
The reimplementation of the number coding scheme was given the go signal by the 17 mayors of the Metro Manila Council (MMC). MMDA Resolution No. 21-30 stated that the current traffic situation in the metro is approaching the pre-pandemic levels, according to a study conducted by the agency’s Traffic Engineering Center.
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