Updated:2024-12-11 03:56 Views:102
MANILA, Philippines — Despite the death of four motorists in a road mishap along the Katipunan Avenue flyover in Quezon City last Thursday, imposing a truck ban might not help prevent similar road accidents, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
During a press conference at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City last Friday, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes was asked if reimposing the truck ban is possible to prevent trucks from getting involved in road accidents.
“If there is a truck ban, it will hamper the flow of goods, which will result in additional costs that will be passed on to consumers,” Artes responsed.
He pointed out that motorists should ensure that their vehicles are well-maintained and, at the same time, they should observe discipline on the road, particularly by following traffic rules.
“The solution is not reimposing the truck ban, but driver discipline and well-maintained trucks. The return of the truck ban is not the solution to accidents even at night; if the vehicle is not maintained and the driver is not disciplined, there will be and there will be accidents,” he said.
The MMDA chief added that the agency would reach out to the association of truckers to remind them about maintenance of their trucks, which are inspected regularly by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The truck ban in Metro Manila has been suspended since June 8, 2022 “until further notice,” according to information from the MMDA’s website.
It noted, however, that the ban would remain effective along EDSA from Magallanes in Makati City to North Avenue in Quezon City.
Alsotodaybet, exempted in the EDSA truck ban are garbage trucks, fuel trucks and trucks carrying essential and/or perishable goods regulated by the MMDA.