MMDA identifies 77 choke points in Metro Manila

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has identified at least 77 roadways throughout Metro Manila where motorists will likely get stuck in heavy traffic.

According to Mark Salazar's report for "24 Oras" on Friday, these choke points  are at the intersections of the 23.8-kilometer stretch of Edsa—Balintawak Market, Aurora Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe, Ayala Avenue and Taft Avenue.

"Ito 'yung mga areas kung saan may U-turns, left turns, right turns, mga intersection, mga areas kung saan may school zones, merging traffic, mga nag-split ang traffic," MMDA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago said.

The road congestion along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila is also affecting secondary and tertiary roads.

"'Yung volume ng mga sasakyan 'yan ang bagay na wala tayogn magagawa because ang ating mga kababayan ay may kakayanang bumili at may karapatang bumili ng sasakyan," Pialago said.

The MMDA also said it can only be addressed with the help of better public transport system and, most importantly, the discipline of motorists.

Authorities have reportedly apprehended up to 3,000 traffic violators during their clearing operations. —Margaret Claire Layug/ LDF, GMA News