MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has apprehended 1,275 motorists for not complying with the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) during the first day of its one-week dry run Monday.
A total of 3,722 highly tinted vehicles were likewise monitored to have violated the traffic scheme through the no-contact apprehension policy of the MMDA, while 84 were apprehended through cameras of traffic enforcers on the ground.
The HOV Lane was recently approved during the recent meeting of the agency’s policymaking body, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of Metro Manila mayors, to reduce vehicular volume along EDSA.
Vehicles with at least two or more passengers inside may pass through the HOV Lane to be located at the fifth and leftmost lane along EDSA.
Motorcycle riders can also use the said lane aside from the motorcycle lane at the fourth lane. Private car drivers with no companion can still use the motorcycle lane, second and third lanes, from the MRT.
Violators will be apprehended through no-contact apprehension and pay a fine of PHP500 once this is fully implemented.
The HOV Lane is seen to encourage carpooling among motorists, in the hope of easing the traffic situation in Metro Manila. (PNA)
