The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is planning to fine motorcycle riders who are seeking shelter from the rain under flyovers and footbridges. The agency said that riders may be fined up to Php 1,000 for obstructing traffic.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes told GMA Integrated News that the agency is looking at starting to issue violation tickets as early as August 1, 2023. Artes clarified that motorcycle riders may still stop briefly under flyovers or footbridges to wear their raincoat. But, they should leave immediately afterward, and not wait for the rain to subside.
"Linawin ko lang, hindi natin sila pinagbabawalan na sumilong saglit, magsuot ng kapote, at umalis para hindi sila mabasa. Ang pinagbabawal natin ay 'yung pagtambay at pagsilong na nagpapatila ng ulan," Artes told GMA News.
(Let me clarify, we are not prohibiting the from stopping briefly to wear their raincoats. What we are prohibiting is staying under the flyover or footbridge for a long period of time until the rain subsides.)
Artes added that riders who seek shelter under flyovers and footbridges not only obstruct traffic but also pose a danger to all motorists, which might lead to road accidents. He instead said that riders may seek shelter in lay-by areas during sudden downpours.
Artes is also planning to talk with gasoline stations in regard to the possibility of putting up tents that can be used by riders as shelter.
Last 2021, the MMDA, headed by former chairman Benhur Abalos, launched the first lay-by area in EDSA that can be used by motorcycle riders as shelter during rain. The said lay-by is located at the ground level of the Quezon Avenue flyover on EDSA.
The agency previously said that it plans to open additional lay-by areas along EDSA that will be situated under the following flyovers: GMA Kamuning, Kamias, Santolan/Crame, Ortigas, Buendia, Tramo (left turning), and Roxas Boulevard.
Aside from EDSA, the agency is looking to come up with motorcycle emergency lay-bys along C5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Alabang Road.
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