Drive vs illegally parked vehicles on

By Mike Frialde (The Philippine Star) Updated December 23, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday launched a drive to remove illegally-parked vehicles in Metro’s major roads over the holidays.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said tow-trucks from the agency have been dispatched to the major roads and secondary streets to clear these of illegally-parked vehicles. Tolentino said the move is in response to the unusually heavy traffic situation since the onset of the Christmas season, which is expected to worsen as Christmas Day nears.

“We expect heavier traffic particularly in areas where the malls are located and parking space is a big problem. I have instructed our traffic personnel to tow illegally parked vehicles at once to avoid clogging the streets,” Tolentino said.

The MMDA said it expects motorists to illegally park their vehicles along major streets as mall parking areas get crowded. He advised vehicle owners and motorists to strictly observe parking discipline so as to avoid being towed and pay traffic fines.

The Metro Manila Council, the policy-making body of MMDA, has approved a proposal to increase the penalty for stalled and illegally parked vehicles. The implementing guidelines are being drawn up, and it is projected to take effect by mid-January.

Moreover, Tolentino has advised motorists to plan their trips during the Christmas rush to avoid getting trapped in traffic jams, especially along EDSA.

The MMDA has observed that since the last week before Christmas has started, the number of vehicles passing through EDSA has increased by 1,200 per hour. The MMDA expects that the number will still go up with last-minute Christmas shoppers and motorists going home to nearby provinces using the highway.