By Aerol John Pateña/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will continue clearing streets leading to public schools in Metro Manila to ensure unimpeded traffic flow for students particularly with Monday’s opening of classes.
MMDA Task Force Special Operations Commander Edison “Bong” Nebrija said traffic congestion within the vicinity of public schools often causes a spillover effect on major roads across the metropolis.
“Ang mga public schools ay nasa secondary streets na bumibigat tuwing umpisa ng pasukan. Ang concern namin ay baka magkaroon ng spillover effect sa mga major roads kagaya ng Edsa. Pinaghahandaan po namin ‘yan (Most public schools are mostly located in secondary streets which are heavily congested during the opening of classes. Our concern is this might cause spillover effect to major roads like Edsa. We are preparing for this),” Nebrija told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.
“We will continue our clearing operations until the opening of classes in private schools next week,” he added.
The MMDA has apprehended more than 80 motorists for illegal parking and other violations in Quezon City.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim ordered the towing of the vehicles during inspection and clearing operations conducted within the vicinity of Corazon Aquino Elementary School, Batasan Hills National High School in Batasan Hills Quezon City, and Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao, Quezon City.
Members of the Task Force Special Operations apprehended 21 unattended vehicles parked illegally; 12 attended vehicles parked illegally; 21 motorcycle riders for not using helmet; three motorists for disregarding traffic signs; and confiscated one fishball cart at the sidewalk for obstruction.
Joint operations of the MMDA and QC Tricycle Regulatory Unit likewise apprehended 20 tricycles for overloading.
The MMDA is imposing fines of PHP1,000 for attended illegally parked vehicles; PHP2,000 for unattended illegally parked vehicles; and PHP 1,000 for obstruction of public roads.
The agency deployed 2,500 traffic personnel on Monday and the succeeding days when other schools start to open to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the metropolis.
District traffic heads of the MMDA coordinated with school administrators to allow the loading and unloading of students inside school premises in order not to obstruct vehicular traffic flow in school zones.
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