The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has extended the imposition of its one-truck lane policy along Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) and Katipunan for another six months, or until January 31, 2016.
Metropolitan Manila Council (MMC) Special Traffic Committee (STC) Resolution No. 02-2015 states that cargo trucks and heavy vehicles having a gross capacity weight of more than 4,500 kilograms will only be allowed to use C-5’s innermost lane from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.
Trucks are also allowed to use the road during the same hours under the existing truck ban, but only on Sundays and holidays.
The ban currently observed along C-5 prohibits trucks and heavy vehicles with a gross capacity weight of more than 4,500 kilograms from using the thoroughfare from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to10 p.m. every day, except Sundays and holidays.
Cargo trucks carrying perishables and petroleum products are exempted from the ban.
MMDA said the policy was extended because “the Special Traffic Committee recognized the success and other positive effects of the implementation of the one truck lane policy along C5 and Katipunan.”
MCC STC began adopting the one-truck lane policy along C-5 and Katipunan in September 2014 under MMC STC Resolution No. 05-2014 in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion on the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila. Before the resolution expired in January 2015, MMC extended the policy until July 31, 2015.
To ensure the policy is efficiently carried out, MMC said, “U-turn slots along C5 and Katipunan shall be closed and signalized intersections shall be opened.”
“At no time during the whole day will container trucks be allowed to park on any street along C5 and Katipunan,” added MMC, which is the policy-making body of MMDA.
Violators will be apprehended and fined P2,000, and MMDA will recommend the blacklisting of the trucking company.
“Should any part of this Resolution be declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect,” MMC said.
The MMDA chairman is authorized to issue circulars or implementing guidelines for the efficient and effective implementation of Resolution 02-2015. – Roumina Pablo
