MANILA, Philippines — Local government officials should strictly enforce the ban on tricycles and pedicabs along national highways, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said yesterday.
Abalos stressed the need to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and road users amid road accidents involving three-wheeled vehicles.
In 2020, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued a memorandum prohibiting tricycles and pedicabs on national highways.
“It is unfortunate that many local government units (LGUs) have not been strictly implementing such regulations, which often results in traffic congestion and accidents,” Abalos said.
He said local councils can allow tricycles on highways only if there are no alternative routes and as a last resort.
A tricycle was hit by a bus along the highway in Labo, Camarines Norte on Sunday.
Abalos said a report of the Metro Manila Accident and Reporting System showed that there were 2,829 road accidents involving bicycles, e-bikes and pedicabs and 2,241 involving tricycles in 2022.
He said LGUs should reorganize their local tricycle task force and include penalties for violators.
Abalos lauded the San Mateo, Rizal LGU for strictly enforcing the tricyle ban that started on Monday.
Tricycle drivers in the town found on national roads face fines.Their franchise will be revoked on the third offense.