MMDA: No number coding exemption at Christmas lanes

Using the so-called Christmas lanes will not mean an exemption from the number coding scheme, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) stressed onMonday. MMDA spokeswoman Tina Velasco belied speculations that drivers who use the alternative routes to the Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue (EDSA), or the "Christmas lanes," will be exempted from the vehicle volume reduction scheme. "Walang pagbabago riyan. Kailangan talaga i-implement ang number coding, nasa sistema natin yan, pandagdag na measures para ma-spread ang different areas," she said in an interview on dzBB radio. (There is no change in our number coding. We have to implement it because it is part of our measures to prevent vehicle congestion and spread vehicles to as many areas as possible.) On Friday, the MMDA opened the so-called "Christmas lanes," which start at both north and south entry points of EDSA. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino urged motorists to use these lanes especially when traffic during the Christmas shopping season peaks during the day. Velasco said the MMDA's engineers are still fine-tuning the Christmas lanes program, which they expect to become fully operational on December 15. She also said the MMDA will continue clearing roads of illegally parked vehicles and sidewalk vendors. – VVP, GMANews.TV