THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Tuesday urged motorists to practice self-discipline and observe the government’s Yellow Lane policy to further improve the flow of traffic on the 24-kilometer Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
Beginning today (Nov. 22), MMDA traffic enforcers will no longer be seen carrying placards along Edsa to remind motorists about the policy.
The agency will now strictly enforce the law and apprehend violators using its closed-circuit television cameras under the No Contact Apprehension Scheme.
During the first day of dry-run activity for the implementation of the Yellow Lane policy on Nov. 20, a total 287, mostly private vehicles, were flagged down and were warned by MMDA ground traffic personnel while 825 were caught by CCTVs.
As of noon of Nov. 21, second day of dry-run, the MMDA apprehended 442 vehicles, 140 of them caught by ground personnel.
“We advised drivers to observe road policies and courtesy for us to have a safe and orderly flow of traffic,” said MMDA assistant general manager for planning Jose Arturo Garcia Jr.
The yellow lane — first two lanes from the sidewalk — is designated for public utility vehicles classified as “high occupancy vehicles.”
PUVs such as buses, UV Express, and jeepneys are not allowed to go outside the yellow lane while private vehicles can enter the yellow lane 100 meters distance before exit.
Under the Yellow Lane policy, the first lane from sidewalk would only serve as loading/unloading zone while the second lane would be for provincial and point-to-point (P2P) buses.
Loading and unloading on the second lane would be strictly forbidden.
Violators will now be apprehended via no-contact apprehension scheme to avoid obstructions on the road. They will be fined P500 per violation.
Under the no-contact apprehension scheme, the MMDA will send summons or notice to the vehicle’s owner or operator to identify the driver of the vehicle during the time the traffic violation was captured by the CCTV camera.
The notice, which will be sent to the owner or operator, contains the date, time, location and traffic violation.
It also contains a statement that the motorist has the right to contest before the MMDA-Traffic Adjudication Division within seven days upon receipt of the summons.
At present, there are 250 CCTV cameras installed in strategic areas in Metro Manila.
The government introduced the Yellow Lane policy to ease traffic, and encourage private motorists leave their cars at home and use the public transportation.
Garcia said the implementation policy was necessary to promote a more orderly flow of traffic along major thoroughfares and reduce the number of fatal accidents.
The MMDA appealed to the public for cooperation and understanding for what the government was doing to solve the problem on traffic.
