PPA proposes measures to ease traffic in Manila's ports

State-run Philippine Ports Authority has issued a list of measures meant to reduce traffic in and out of Manila's ports even as the city government and truckers' groups wrangle over a daytime truck ban.

 

PPA general manager Juan Sta. Ana said the measures will reduce the truckers turn around time, making for faster and more efficient deliveries to and from the ports.

 

“We support the plight of the truckers, as there are really many variables in their operations and their clients. The wider the truck ban period, the narrower their operating hours.  It becomes very difficult for them given the many constraints and standby hours while waiting for cargo,” he added.

 

PPA said extending the working hours at the Bureau of Customs, which processes cargo valuation, examination, and release, as well as having more Customs personnel on duty during weekends will help. PPA also suggested extending the transaction hours of bansk that deal with payments for the release of cargo.

 

It said having private warehouses and container yards operate at night will also help truckers affected by the day-time ban.

 

PPA also wants trucking by appointment as proposed by port giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. Under the proposed scheme, only trucks with contracts to pick up or drop off cargo will be allowed to enter the port areas.

 

PPA said the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Operators, the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines , the Integrated North Harbor Truckers Association should also make sure their members follow traffic rules in and around the port area.

 

On Monday, truckers at Manila International Container Terminal, South Harbor, and North Harbor staged a truck holiday in protest against a day-time truck ban in the City of Manila.

 

“PPA will continue to find ways to come up with a workable solution in order to reduce the effect of such issues not only to the port community and the local government but to the Phi­lippine economy in general,” he added. — JDS, GMA News