MMDA to implement new towing, impounding guideline by next year

A revised guideline on towing and impounding operations will be implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) by next year to address complaints from vehicle owners, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday.

“Siguro by early next year na natin yan mapapatupad (Maybe by early next year we will be able to implement that),” MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said in a press conference.

Artes said the changes include a new tariff based on distance. 

Drivers or owners will also be given an option where they want to take their stalled vehicles instead of automatically towing them to MMDA’s impounding area in Tumana, Marikina.

“Siyempre hindi naman natin kagustuhan na tumirik yung ating mga sasakyan. Instead na automatic dalhin sa Tumana para i-impound, bibigyan po natin ng option yung driver o yung may-ari ng sasakyan  na ihatid na lang sila sa bahay, mall, kung puwede sila mag-park, or diretso sila sa talyer,” Artes said.

(Of course, nobody wants their car to be stalled. Instead of automatically taking them to Tumana to be impounded, we will give the driver or owner of the vehicle the option to just take their vehicle to their house, mall, where they can park, or go directly to a repair shop.)

Artes said this is to avoid more traffic and cost on the part of the driver or owner of the stalled vehicle. 

Under the new guideline, the MMDA will tap five towing service firms that will accommodate the five sectors of Metro Manila — North, East, West, South, and Central.

“These guidelines shall apply to all towing services and trucks operating in Metro Manila including those operated and/or owned by government agencies or instrumentalities,” the MMDA said in a presentation.

“It shall also include, among others, tow trucks operated or owned by motor vehicle repair shops, business establishments, transport groups, public utility companies and private clubs, groups or associations,” it added. —KBK, GMA Integrated News