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162 apprehended on first day of strict implementation of Motorcycle Lane Policy


More than 160 motorcycle riders were apprehended by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday for violating the rules on motorcycle lanes on the first day of its strict implementation.

As of 5.pm., majority of violators were apprehended on EDSA with 129 followed by Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City with 24, according to the MMDA.

The MMDA said Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City and C5 Road had the least violators in the Motorcycle Lane Policy with seven and two, respectively.

A fine of P500 to P2,000 will be meted on erring motorists who violate the Motorcycle Lane Policy, which requires motorcycle riders to use only the fourth lane from the sidewalk or the designated "blue lane."

Motorcycle riders were also required to wear proper attire, which includes crash helmet, long pants, and shoes.

"Our objective here is not only to move people faster but also make sure they reach their destinations safely," MMDA chairman Thomas Orbos said.

Meanwhile, data from the Inter-agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) said about 30 of the average 265 vehicular accidents in Metro Manila daily involve motorcycle riders.

The Road Crash Statistical Report said a total of 7,033 motorcycle incidents were recorded from January to April 2016, with 82 cases tagged as fatal.

Last year, MMDA recorded a total of 18,668 motorcycle-related accidents, with 238 resulting in deaths.

Orbos met with members of the Motorcycle Philippines Federation on Thursday to discuss proposals on how to ease traffic in Metro Manila.

During the meeting, the MMDA chief approved the group's suggestion to conduct a seminar for motorcyclists on road safety and traffic rules and regulations.

The I-ACT is the single authority on traffic management and is composed of the Department of Transportation, MMDA, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News

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