HPG gives self low grade in EDSA traffic management

The Philippine National Police's Highway Patrol Group (HPG) gave itself a low grade of 2 out of 10 for its first week of handling traffic on EDSA.

 

Superintendent Oliver Tanseco, HPG spokesperson, said 2 means they need to implement more adjustments to improve the flow of traffic on the main thoroughfare.

 

"Kung 1 po ang pinakamababa 10 ang pinakamataas, 2 lang po ang aming points," Tanseco said in an interview on GMA News' Balitanghali.

 

Tanseco said that starting today, September 14, they are implementing new traffic measures on EDSA, including the moving of U-turn slots.

 

Tanseco mentioned in particular the closure of the U-turn slot near Trinoma mall in Quezon City.

 

There were two U-turn slots in the area. The HPG maintained the slot near the Quezon Avenue flyover.

 

However, a report on Balitanghali said that traffic at the North Avenue are along EDSA was unusually heavy.

 

The report said this was because of the closure of the U-turn slot near Trinoma.

 

Tanseco said that the traffic buildup in the area was an expected consequence of the U-turn slot's closure.

 

He is confident that traffic in the area will become lighter as drivers get used to taking the U-turn slot near the Quezon Avenue flyover.

 

"Kanina dahil bago ito... pero kung masanay na tayo, luluwag na ang trapiko po diyan," he said.

 

On Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the HPG reported that it was able to speed up travel time on EDSA from 15 to 25 minutes.

 

Aside from the closure of U-turn slots, earlier branded by the HPG as misplaced, the authorities are also planning to move bus stops along EDSA.

 

Provincial buses have also been prohibited from using underpasses along EDSA and by September 15, trucks will be banned from the main thoroughfare during weekdays.

 

Tanseco also said that HPG men, including former Special Action Force members who have been integrated into their unit, have started issuing tickets from the Land Transportation Office.

 

On Sunday, the HPG spokesman said that their men will be stricter starting today.

 

Holiday rush, APEC

 

Tanseco said during the interview that they are confident that the effects of their adjustment on EDSA will be felt before the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is held in Manila.

 

The Philippines is hosting this year's APEC meeting to be held November 18 and 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

 

He said the adjustments being made on EDSA are also a preparation for the holiday rush.

 

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has released alternate routes called Mabuhay Lanes for drivers who want to avoid EDSA. —ALG/KG, GMA News