QC dad eyes expanded number coding scheme

MANILA, Philippines - A Quezon City councilor is pushing for an expanded number coding scheme that will ban vehicles from traveling along major thoroughfares in the city twice a week.

In his proposed measure, second district Councilor Ramon Medalla said there is a need to expand the current number coding scheme to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

“Even with the implementation of the unified vehicular volume reduction program, better known as number coding, the major streets of the city are still often congested with both public and private vehicles,” said the councilor.

Medalla’s proposal sets the ban on Monday and Wednesday for plate numbers ending in 1 and 2, Monday and Thursday for 3 and 4, Tuesday and Thursday for 5 and 6, Tuesday and Friday for 7 and 8, and Wednesday and Friday for 9 and 0.

The ban days will be implemented with the current 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. window hour.

The expanded number coding scheme will apply to all vehicles except ambulances, fire trucks, patrol cars, vehicles carrying person in need of medical attention, diplomatic vehicles, school buses, media vehicles, and vehicles carrying perishable goods.

Also exempted are MMDA accredited tow trucks, cargo trucks covered by the truck ban, government vehicles that have property stickers issued by the Land Transportation Office and accredited tourism vehicles.

Medalla said vehicles issued with vanity plates and optional motor vehicle special plates will also be covered by the proposed expanded number coding scheme, with the last digit of their plates becoming the basis of their ban days.

If approved, drivers who will be caught will face penalties ranging from community service to a fine of P5,000 and endorsement for suspension from the city government.

The measure is pending before the city council.