The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUS) have resumed their campaign to clear public roads in the National Capital Region.
The authorities, led by a team from the MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group, conducted the recent clearing operations in areas like Baclaran in Paranaque City and EDSA Taft Avenue in Pasay City, where illegally parked vehicles, pedicabs, and sidewalk vendors were removed.
A team from the MMDA New Task Force Special Operations Unit also removed and towed illegally parked vehicles in La Salle Greenhills, resulting in fines and penalties for the violators.
The agency, with the help of police personnel and local enforcers, also started road clearing operations along Mabuhay Lanes, which serve as alternate routes for private vehicles avoiding the congested EDSA.
The campaign aims to alleviate road congestion by the start of classes on Aug. 29 and the upcoming holiday season, when traffic is expected to be heavy.
Local chief executives have asked for assistance in reclaiming public roads and clearing areas in their jurisdiction from all kinds of obstruction.
Meanwhile, the MMDA is mapping out traffic management plans for areas near Xavier School, Saint Pedro Poveda, La Salle Greenhills, and Immaculate Conception Academy.
On Friday, MMDA officials, led by MMDA chai Romando Artes, met with school administrators from Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, and San Juan City to discuss complaints and propose the deployment of traffic enforcers to regulate traffic flow in the affected areas.
In San Juan, Mayor Francis Zamora ordered the removal of bollards or barriers placed on bike lanes in the city.
The bollards were installed to support the need for safe and efficient transportation alternatives, such as bicycles, when there was limited public transportation due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Following the thorough evaluation of the MMDA, it has been advised that the removal of bollards is necessary to alleviate traffic congestion and restore the roads to their optimal capacity,” said Zamora.
“In place of the bollards, the plan is to install cat’s eye markers to maintain the cyclists’ and pedestrians’ safety,” he added.
The local government assured that the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in the city would still be a priority.