MMDA impounding areas full after crackdown on colorum PUVs, clearing ops

The impounding areas of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Pasig and Marikina now lack space to accommodate more impounded vehicles as the roadside clearing operations and the crackdown on colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs) continues.

According to Mark Salazar's report on GMA's 24 Oras on Thursday, the MMDA has been able to impound only 148 vehicles since it intensified its campaign against colorum PUVs in September.

Part of the penalty for operating PUVs without the proper franchises is a three-month impoundment.

Traffic enforcers have been forced not to order the towing of violators' vehicles because there of the lack of available space.

Aside from those involved in colorum operations, illegally parked vehicles may also be towed and impounded.

But given the complicated situation, violators may technically be exempted from paying the P1,500 towing fee since limited towing will take place.

They will only be given a violation ticket worth P300.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago, however, said that motorists should not be complacent in observing traffic rules and regulations.

"Hindi naman ho sila pwedeng magdiwang kasi hindi naman ibig sabihin na hindi kami magto-tow, eh hindi na kami nag-ooperate," Pialago said.

In 2017, out of the 30,000 apprehended illegally parked vehicles, only 6,000 have been towed by MMDA.

Opening additional impounding areas in the Southwest Integrated Terminal in Paranaque City and  LLDA Compound in Quezon City next year is in the pipeline, Pialago said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News