The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is planning to provide tents for motorcycle riders at gas stations to shelter them from the rain, as it prepares to impose fines for those who seek refuge under flyovers and footbridges.
MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said in a press conference on July 12 that the agency will coordinate with gas station owners to set up tents where motorcycle riders can stay dry during rainy days.
He said this is part of the MMDA’s solution to address the problem of road obstruction caused by motorcycle riders who park under flyovers and footbridges, which contributes to traffic congestion.
“Isa rin sa nakikita naming solution ay kakausapin ang gasoline stations. Ang MMDA na ang maglalagay ng tents para doon sila sumilong. Kasama po iyan sa aming plano sa ngayon,” he said.
Artes said the MMDA will soon start fining motorcycle riders who shelter under flyovers and footbridges PHP 500 for violating the road obstruction rule.
He said this is not a discriminatory move, but a safety measure for all motorists. He advised motorcycle riders to stop at designated lay-by areas — the side of a road where a vehicle can stop for a short time without interrupting traffic — when it rains.
The MMDA has not yet announced when it will implement the fines, but Artes said it will be soon.
Image: MMDA Facebook
