Dozens of motorists ticketed for trying to use closed EDSA-North Ave. U-turn slot

About 50 motorists were ticketed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) - Highway Patrol Group after attempting to use a closed U-turn slot on EDSA near North Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday.

According to a report by DZBB's Allan Gatus on Balitanghali, some private vehicles and motorcycles were issued tickets after entering the busway at the thoroughfare.

The motorists said they were not informed of the closure, while others explained it was their first time again to pass through the already closed U-turn slot.

A motorist further said they were previously allowed to go through the lane before the implementation of the EDSA busway went "full-blown," while others said they did not see sign boards regarding the advisory.

However, signs about the closure have been placed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) along the thoroughfare.

HPG Director Police Brigadier General Eli Cruz said "ignorance" of the policy is not an excuse following the public announcement by the MMDA, as he reminded motorists to respect the busways.

The U-turn slots along EDSA were closed by the government to solidify the point-to-point bus lane for buses traveling from North Avenue to Pasay City.

The bus lane has since been transferred to the leftmost part of the road since the quarantine was imposed and given the limited capacity allowed in public transportation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closing of all U-turn slots along EDSA will be completed by December, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said. — Jamil Santos/BM, GMA News