Only a few riders seeking shelter under flyovers, footbridges apprehended but MMDA to strictly enforce policy next week
Starting next week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will strictly implement its policy that prohibits motorcycle riders from seeking shelter under foot bridges and flyovers during heavy downpour.
MMDA chairperson Don Artes said they started the implementation of the policy on Tuesday, Aug. 1, but said only a few were apprehended as most of them were merely warned of the P1,000 penalties if they are caught staying in prohibited areas.
“We only apprehended those who were really staying there for a long time and had no intention to leave until the rain stopped. Almost all of the motorcycle riders we monitored temporarily sought shelter to wear their raincoats and that is allowed,” said Artes,
“But starting next week, we will be strict in implementing this policy,” he stressed.
In implementing such a policy, Artes explained that they only want to ensure the safety of both the motorcycle riders and motorists since the riders are still occupying lanes which are prone to road accidents.
The MMDA earlier said that they will ask the help of gasoline stations to provide temporary shelters to motorcycle riders.
Hesitant
Artes, however, disclosed that he already met with gas stations managers and most of them voiced out concerns on the MMDA appeal.
For one, Artes said the gas station may be totally occupied by motorcycle riders and eventually affect their business operations.
The gas station managers also said, citing experiences in the past, that some of the motorcycle riders are hard-headed and would even use cellular phones near the gas pump station.
“But they said they are studying all the safety protocols on this matter and we will communicate with them soon regarding this matter,” said Artes.
“We also want to emphasize that these gas stations are private properties so we cannot compel them to provide temporary shelter to motorcycle riders, it’s just voluntary in nature on their part,” he added.