MMDA: Truck ban on EDSA in effect until Jan 2014

Starting Monday, drivers and operators of trucks weighing 4,500 kilograms and up will have to stay away from Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) the whole day every day except for Sundays and holidays.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority issued the reminder on Sunday, saying that the ban is in effect until January 5, 2014.

"From July 6, 2013 to January 5, 2014, total truck ban in EDSA shall be implemented M-F whole day (only for trucks 4,500kg+)," it said in its advisory.

The MMDA said it expects to come up with a new truck ban rule in six months, state-run Philippines News Agency reported.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the Metro Manila Council's special traffic committee headed by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista issued Resolution No. 03 extending the modified uniform truck ban to January 5, 2014.

Tolentino voiced confidence there would be enough time for the STC to address all issues in a total daytime truck ban in Metro Manila.

Modified regulation

Under the modified regulation, trucks and heavy vehicles weighing more than 4,500 kg are not allowed on major thoroughfares from 6 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. daily except Sundays and holidays.

A total truck ban along EDSA from Magallanes in Makati City to North Avenue in Quezon City will be in effect the whole day from Monday to Sunday.

But trucks with perishable and agricultural cargo shall be exempted from the truck ban. — BM, GMA News