MMDA supports move to sell cars only to those with parking spaces

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday expressed support for a proposed law that would allow the sale of a motor vehicle to only those who have a proper parking area.

Emerson Carlos, MMDA assistant general manager for operations said the “Proof of Parking Space Act” penned by Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian could help decongest the already crowded streets of Metro Manila.

“The volume of vehicles on the road can no longer be accommodated by our limited road network. However, this should be compensated by an efficient comfortable and acceptable mass public transport system,” said Carlos.

Gatchalian’s “Proof of Parking Space Act” cites reports that car sales are expected to reach 300,000 units by 2015, on the back of a robust economy, a growing middle class and increased remittances from Filipinos working abroad.

“Traffic congestion in the capital is worsened by the idle vehicles parked on the sides of streets, hampering the flow of automobile and foot traffic,” said Gatchalian.

Citing official records, Gatchalian said as of end-September, total vehicle sales of Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) members have already reached 169,727 units.

CAMPI said if car sales hit 250,000 to 260,000 by the end of 2014, vehicle sales could reach 300,000 next year, Gatchalian said, citing CAMPI figures.

In his House Bill 5098, Gatchalian wants to require buyers of brand new cars, whether individuals or corporations, to execute a notarized affidavit indicating the availability of an existing parking space for the vehicle to be bought.

“Any financially able purchaser of a motor vehicle can be presumed to be able to provide a parking facility for his vehicle,” Gatchalian said in his bill.

Gatchalian said  motor vehicle owners should be made responsible to provide a permanent parking space for their own private vehicles, whether this is made an integral part of their house or building structure or a leased facility.

“The street is primarily intended for vehicular or foot traffic and should not be appropriated as personal parking spaces for these vehicles,” he said.

The bill also orders the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to make such affidavit a prerequisite in the registration of vehicles. The LTO, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and concerned local government units are mandated to inspect the allotted parking spaces.

Car owners found making untrue claims will have their vehicle registration revoked and will be banned from registering a motor vehicle under their name for three years. Violators will also be fined P50,000.

LTO personnel who allow the registration of vehicles despite knowing the falsity of the affidavit or without the required document will be suspended for three months without pay.

Gatchalian said Singapore's experience - where vehicles are not allowed to be parked on public roads - could serve as a template for the Philippines and for Metro Manila in particular.

“Singapore serves as a model to the Philippines in terms of regulating vehicle traffic and protecting pedestrian,” Gatchalian said.