The Metro Manila Development Authority apprehended more than 50 erring motorists as the agency started on Monday implementing a new policy increasing fines for illegal parking in the National Capital Region.
As of 10 a.m. Monday, based on reports from the MMDA public information office, a total of 57 vehicles were apprehended in simultaneous operations along F.B. Harrison Street, Taft Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue, all in Pasay City; Quirino Highway, Roxas Boulevard, T.M. Kalaw in Manila, and areas of Baclaran in Parañaque City.
MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said the government is hoping that through this campaign, it will be able to change the selfish behavior of most of these irresponsible drivers and individuals violating traffic rules.
He said the penalty for illegal parking for attended vehicles was raised to P1,000 from the present P200; fine for illegal parking for unattended vehicles was increased to P2,000 from P500; fine for obstructing the road was increased to P1,000 from P150, and fine for yellow lane violation was increased to P1,000.
Apprehended vehicle owners will be fined for illegal parking plus obstruction, twice a day for the same violations.
The fine increase was based on regulations signed by the Metro Manila Council, the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA, last year.
“Vehicle owners thought that they own the road in front of their houses. They have benefited long enough. It’s time for motorists and the government to utilize the thoroughfare,” Garcia said.
Garcia reiterated that motorists are prohibited from parking their vehicles on all national highways, including Mabuhay Lanes.