EDSA truck ban: 300 drivers pulled over

MANILA, Philippines - Traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) pulled over 300 drivers for violating the light truck ban along EDSA and Shaw Boulevard.

The drivers were issued traffic citation tickets, MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos said.

Orbos said the violators were fined P2,000 each.

The MMDA accosted 460 truck drivers during the dry run for the truck ban on Wednesday.

Orbos said the erring drivers were not issued traffic citation tickets.

Under the traffic scheme, light trucks with a gross weight of 4,500 kilos are not allowed to use EDSA and Shaw Boulevard, which traverses Pasig and Mandaluyong cities.

The truck ban is in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Fire trucks and ambulances are exempted from the ban.

Trucks delivering perishable goods need to apply for exemption with the MMDA.

Orbos said the Metro Manila Council composed of 17 mayors approved the program to help ease traffic congestion in the metropolis.