WITH Christmas fast approaching, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday warned motorists and the general public to brace for heavier traffic in the metropolis.
MMDA chief Romando Artes said December is the month when people spend more time shopping at malls and other commercial centers, or just going out, adding more vehicles to the roadways.
Filipinos living overseas also return home in December to celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones, another factor in the expected heavier vehicular volume.
The MMDA previously said it expects 500,000 public and private vehicles on Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), the metropolis’ prime thoroughfare running from Caloocan City in the north to Paranaque in the south each day as Christmas approaches, an increase from the September count of 420,000 vehicles daily.
To alleviate the problem, Artes said the MMDA will ramp up its clearing operations to remove unattended vehicles and other obstructions in the roadways, including at the Mabuhay alternative lanes.
“Bukod sa mga sasakyang ilegal na nakaparada, ilan pang halimbawa ng mga obstruksiyon sa lansangan ang ilegal na terminal, nagtitinda sa bangketa, nakaharang na barangay outposts, ring ng basketball, construction debris, tindahan ng pagkain na itinayo sa mga lansangan, sirang kagamitan at kasangkapan, at iba pa (Aside from illegally parked vehicles, other obstruction in the roadways include illegal transport terminals, sidewalk vendors, barangay outposts, basketball rings, construction debris, food stalls and broken equipment), Artes said.
Artes said traffic enforcers have been directed to stay in their designated posts until midnight to help manage traffic flow.
Earlier, the MMDA announced a temporary suspension of all road excavation activities in the metropolis to ease traffic congestion and address the expected increase in vehicle volume during the holiday season.
The moratorium, which started last November 18, will last until December 25.
Over the same period, mall operators also agreed to adjust their operating hours from the usual 10 a.m. opening to 11 a.m. while closing time will also be extended.
The MMDA said mall operators are also required to submit a traffic management plan at least two weeks before conducting mall sales or promotional events while deliveries will be restricted to 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., except for perishable goods such as food.
