- August 31, 2018
- Posted by: Atty. James Biron
- Categories: Commercial, Legal News, Transportation
No more towing of illegally-parked vehicles on major thoroughfares and alternative routes starting today, 31 August 2018, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). These vehicles would no longer be towed to avoid allegations of abuse and extortion according to MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia. Rather, tickets would be issued to drivers for a Php500 fine.
MMDA said they would begin issuing tickets to drivers of vehicles found parked from 6am to 9pm on the 17 listed Mabuhay lanes or express routes connected to EDSA and roads going to commercial districts and shopping hubs in Metro Manila. Violators may be charged with at least three citation tickets with corresponding penalty. A Php200 fine for violating the illegal parking rule, Php150 for disregarding traffic signs and Php150 for obstruction.
However, illegally parked vehicles could still be towed but this would be carried out by local concerned governments or they should ask for assistance, in coordination with the MMDA.
To decrease incidents of corruption and illegal towing activities, the MMDA will also not use towing services along Mabuhay lanes but will use them on inner roads upon the request of local government units in Metro Manila.
Garcia also said that under the non-towing policy, a 5-minute rule or the grace period given to drivers to move their illegally parked cars before these could be towed – is now considered waived. The apprehension will be automatic. Garcia also said that once traffic enforcers sighted an illegally parked vehicle, they would immediately issue ticket. Ticket would be left on the windshield for unattended cars.
Garcia said the agency proposed to raise the fine of Php500 up to Php2,000. The MMDA has yet to officially raise the penalty for the violation. This crackdown on illegally parked vehicles was the latest traffic-easing measure being imposed by the agency as a complement to its twin ban on provincial buses and driver-only on private vehicles on Edsa during rush hour.
Image source: EverQuote
