Policies on electric vehicles to be harmonized - MMDA

Several government agencies and local government units had a meeting on Thursday to discuss the creation of a unified regulation for e-bikes and e-trikes.

In a meeting at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) office, heads and representatives from different government agencies tackled the existing laws, policies, guidelines, ordinances, and programs concerning electric vehicles.

“The proliferation of e-vehicles has become a cause for concern. The LGUs have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles,” MMDA chief Romando Artes said.

“These will be reconciled with the policies of the national government,” he added.

Concerns raised include incidents where minors were spotted driving e-vehicles on national highways, drivers do not wear helmets or protective gear, and some bring their units into the middle of highways.

“When these e-vehicle users violate the law, how can we issue a traffic violation ticket if the users do not possess a license? We also cannot charge the vehicle owners because they are not registered,” Artes said.

Some sellers entice their potential buyers by saying that they do not need to obtain a license or registration for e-vehicles, he added.

Artes also said that e-vehicles pose risk and danger to the lives of concerned drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

“In coming up with a new set of regulations, we shall address these concerns, particularly safety issues. We will consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations, as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even the national government concerning e-vehicles, to make it comprehensive. This will also cover not just Metro Manila but nationwide,” Artes said.

Other agencies that participated in the meeting were the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Metro Manila traffic heads also joined the meeting. — VBL, GMA Integrated News