AT least 197 more motorists were apprehended yesterday during the second day of the implementation of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MDDA) policy on the exclusive bus lane on EDSA.
The MMDA said the figure was as of 11 a.m. yesterday.
It said 114 were drivers of motorcycles while 83 others were driving four-wheeled vehicles.
The MMDA initially reported that 409 motorists were apprehended on the first day of the policy implementation.
On its Facebook page, the MMDA said there were actually 514 motorists apprehended last Monday for violating the EDSA exclusive bus lane.
The MMDA reiterated its warning to motorists not to violate the new policy or face stiff fines.
First-time offenders will be fined P5,000 (first offense); P10,000 for the second offense plus a one-month suspension of the driver’s license and undergoing a road safety seminar; while a fine of P20,000 and a one-year suspension of driver’s license will be imposed on those making a third offense.
A fine of P30,000 will be imposed on those making a fourth offense and a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office to revoke their driver’s license.
“Remember: Unauthorized vehicles are prohibited inside the EDSA bus carousel lane which is reserved only for buses, emergency vehicles like ambulances, firetrucks and other marked vehicles of the government responding to emergencies,” the MMDA said.
“The implementation of this (policy) is for the safety of motorists and to prevent the delay in passenger buses using the exclusive lane,” the MMDA added.
Meanwhile, the PNP said any of its members caught violating the MMDA policy will have to face the consequences.
Reports quoted the MMDA as saying that five policemen were among those caught for violating the exclusive bus lane policy.
“Just like anyone else we are also governed by laws. If there are policemen caught for violating traffic laws, then they should be charged before the proper forum,” said PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo.
Fajardo said PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. was clear in his message to policemen that the PNP leadership will not tolerate the wrongdoing of its men.
“If they are caught, then we will be the first one to encourage the MMDA to file the necessary cases, whether it’s criminal or administrative,” said Fajardo.
