MMDA starts clearing ops for Christmas rush

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started yesterday clearing operations along the so-caled Mabuhay lanes off EDSA in preparation for the Christmas season.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the clearing operations aim to decongest the designated alternate routes for motorists who want to avoid traffic jams along EDSA. 

Thirteen vehicles illegally parked along Mabuhay lanes were towed and impounded.

Teams from the Highway Patrol Group, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways and Land Transportation Office were deployed to clear the routes of the 17 Mabuhay lanes.

Carlos said targets of the clearing operations are illegally parked vehicles, illegal structures and other road obstructions along the Mabuhay lanes, which are located in Manila, Quezon City, San Juan and Makati.

The MMDA chief said the clearing operation was in compliance with a resolution approved by the Metro Manila mayors last month.

Carlos said residents along the routes have been advised of the road clearing operations.

MMDA teams will be handing out leaflets and flyers to remind motorists and residents that the alternate routes should be free of obstructions from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Carlos said that after 9 p.m., vehicle owners may park near their residences up to 6 a.m.

Meanwhile, 11 tricycles were impounded by the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) during the clearing of alternate routes in the city.

Dexter Cardenas, head of the DPOS public order and safety traffic division, said the impounded vehicles may be recovered by the owners after payment of P350 fine.

He said the tricycles were impounded for operating out of line. Four private car owners were issued citation tickets for illegal parking and obstruction.