HPG issues violation tickets to 400 motorists

MANILA, Philippines — Around 400 motorists have been issued citation tickets for violating traffic and quarantine rules along major roads in Metro Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

The violators were accosted since the general community quarantine or GCQ was imposed in the National Capital Region on June 1, according to Highway Patrol Group NCR director Col. Wilson Doromal.

Doromal said most of the traffic infractions committed by the motorists involved the use of wrong lanes.

He urged the motorists to use the designated lanes for their vehicles.

Traffic enforcers observed that a majority of private vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders encroached on bus and bicycle lanes along EDSA, Doromal said.

“Maybe they think these lanes remain empty due to limited public transportation,” he said.

The HPG also apprehended bus drivers and conductors for violating social distancing measures while in transit.

Transport government agencies are implementing limited passenger capacity for public utility vehicles to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“When people are in a hurry, they tend to forget these quarantine rules,” Doromal said.

The HPG has confiscated dozens of plate numbers, blinkers and other unauthorized gadgets on vehicles.

Doromal reminded motorists and commuters to follow traffic regulations as well as safety and health protocols to avoid contracting COVID-19.