Ilocos 1st District Representative Ronald Singson filed a bill on May 18 that would raise the speed limit on expressways to 140 kilometers per hour (kph) for most vehicles and 120 kph for buses and other large vehicles. The current limit is 100 kph and 80 kph, respectively.
The bill, titled “An act providing for the definition of expressway and setting a speed limit for such highway all over the country, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 4136, as amended, otherwise known as the ‘Land Transportation and Traffic Code,’” would only apply to “controlled-access highways” or toll roads such as the North Luzon Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway.
Singson said his proposal would help ease traffic congestion and improve travel time for motorists. He also said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) would have the authority to adjust the speed limit on certain sections of an expressway, especially on narrow or winding portions.
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), which oversees toll roads in the country, said it is open to discussing and studying the bill. TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz said in a Laging Handa briefing that they would provide their observations and comments during the deliberation of the bill.
Corpuz clarified that the actual speed limit will depend on road conditions. He added that an audit of road conditions in expressways is ongoing to repair potholes and uneven pavements caused by inclement weather and other incidents.
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Raising the speed limit on expressways may seem like a quick fix to “ease traffic congestion and improve travel time”, but it could also increase the risk of road accidents.
Source: PNA
Image: skyway.com.ph
