MMDA clarifies truck ban schedule, exemptions after several drivers ticketed

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified Tuesday the schedule and exemptions for the truck ban after over a dozen drivers were ticketed and fined for violation.

According to Jonathan Andal’s “24 Oras” report, around 20 drivers were ticketed and fined P2,000 in just one hour along EDSA Roxas Boulevard.

Some drivers argued that they were exempted from the ban because they had registered with the Truck Appointment Booking System of the Manila North Harbor.

The MMDA said this was only valid on Roxas Boulevard but not on EDSA.

Trucks exempted from the ban are fuel tankers and those ferrying perishable goods or equipment for government projects with the necessary permit.

The ban is in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday only.

On EDSA, however, a 24/7 truck ban is in effect from North Avenue until the Magallanes Interchange. 

MMDA traffic chief Bong Nebrija said the ban helped ease the flow of traffic.

“Inobserbahan namin, it’s better than the previous weeks na wala tayong truck ban. So I think it helped,” he said.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News