409 EDSA busway violators held – MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — Over 400 motorists were apprehended and slapped with hefty fines on the first day of the implementation of stiffer penalties for the illegal use of the EDSA busway yesterday, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

As of 11 a.m. yesterday, 333 motorists had been arrested for entering the EDSA Carousel.

Another 76 violators composed of 45 motorcycle riders and 31 drivers of four-wheel vehicles were accosted as of 5 p.m. A total of 409 violation tickets were issued to erring motorists, the MMDA said.

Among the violators were police officers and MMDA personnel who said they did not know that hefty fines were already in effect, according to radio reports.

There were also violators who worked at the state weather bureau and motorcycle drivers who said they were running late for work or school.

A sport utility vehicle driver was also filmed speeding off to avoid apprehension.

Motorists entering the EDSA Carousel will be fined P5,000 on first offense.

For the second offense, violators will be fined P10,000 and their driver’s license will be suspended for a month. Violators will be required to attend a seminar on road safety.

On third offense, violators will be fined P20,000 and their driver’s license will be suspended for a year.

Violators must pay P30,000 and their driver’s license might be revoked on fourth offense.

The EDSA busway is reserved for city buses and emergency vehicles such as ambulances and firetrucks.

“Our driver’s license is a privilege given by the government. It comes with responsibility and that includes respecting traffic laws to ensure road safety,” Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza II said.

Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said they sought guidance from the Department of Transportation on whether convoys of the President, Vice President, Chief Justice, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives would be authorized to use the EDSA busway “for security concerns.” — Bella Cariaso