Motorcycles, bikes banned from major expressways

The Supreme Court has issued a ruling banning all motorcycles and bicycles from using the North and South Luzon Expressways (NLEX and SLEX), Coastal Road and C-5 highway. The high court decision is believed to have stemmed from the fact that the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded nearly 7,000 accidents from 2002-2005 that involved motorcycles, bicycles and motorbikes. The ruling covers all types of motorcycles, including “big bikes" powered by greater than 400-cubic-cyclinder engines. It thus voids three orders issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that set aside areas in expressways as limited access facilities for motorcycles. The Supreme Court said in its ruling that the DPWH has no power to enforce any law pertaining to transportation regulation, which should be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).-GMANews.TV