THE Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will fine motorcycle riders who will take shelter from rain under overpasses.
In a television interview, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said they will impose a P1,000 fine for the riders taking shelter under overpasses over obstruction of traffic.
He clarified that motorcycle riders are allowed to stop by underpasses for a moment, for them to wear their raincoats but staying idle there for a long time, or until the rain has stopped is a different story.
“Linawin ko lang, hindi natin sila pinagbabawalan na sumilong saglit, magsuot ng kapote at umalis para hindi sila mabasa. Ang pinagbabawal natin ay ‘yung pagtambay at pagsilong na nagpapatila ng ulan,” he said.
(Let me be clear, we are not forbidding them to take shelter for a while, put on a raincoat and leave so they don't get wet. What we prohibit is hanging out and taking shelter until the rain stops.)
“We are giving sufficient notice dahil ito naman po ay batas na kailangan naman naming ipatupad (this is law that we need to implement),” he added.
Artes said motorcycle riders can also use emergency bays.
Motorcycles stopping by overpasses are one of the causes of traffic congestion when it is raining.
Several videos were uploaded online where motorcycle riders can be seen piled up under overpasses, leaving fewer lanes for the cars, resulting in heavier traffic. (SunStar Philippines)