Over 170 cars towed, apprehended as MMDA ramps up clearing ops
2023-Dec-01 12:01
NOT HERE. Personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued a traffic violation receipt to the driver of an illegally parked sports utility vehicle along Timog Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday (Nov. 30, 2023). The MMDA apprehended at least 69 violators during the morning clearing operation. PHOTO: Joey Razon/Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday apprehended 166 vehicles and towed six vehicles for illegal parking as part of the agency's crackdown against obstructions in "Mabuhay Lanes" in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In a statement, MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations, Assistant Secretary David Angelo Vargas, said 108 strike force members were part of the operation to ensure the unhampered flow of traffic in these alternate routes.
"To ensure that all roads covered by Mabuhay Lanes are passable, we are advising other motorists to avoid parking on sidewalks and roads so we can avoid traffic congestion and keep all roadways free from obstruction, as this serves as an alternate route for EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)," Vargas said.
Those with illegally parked vehicles were fined P1,000, while those with illegally parked unattended vehicles were fined P2,000.
These strike force members, he said, are equipped with body cameras and handheld ticketing devices to issue traffic violation tickets.
He added those apprehended can pay their tickets right away using the ticketing system.
The day's operations were supervised by Vargas, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Victor Nuñez and officer-in-charge Gabriel Go.
The MMDA's new strike force aims to conduct clearing operations in 10 areas daily for quicker traffic management response.
Earlier, MMDA acting chair Romando Artes said the new strike force will augment the agency's two units that conduct daily clearing operations. (PNA)