The days of those who park illegally are numbered

All across Metro Manila, efforts are being made to decrease the amount of illegally parked vehicles. Even the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned motorists earlier this year against the higher penalties they face if they park their vehicles illegally. 

The initial fine for illegal attended parking was P200 and is now P1,000 – five times what it was before. For drivers of unattended illegally parked vehicles, they will now have to pay a fine of P2,000. The fine for obstruction has also been raised from P150 to P1,000. Not only will motorists have to face stiffer fines, but they will also have to face the possibility of being towed.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) also stated that Metro Manila Mayors have 60 days to clear their cities’ roads of obstructions. This deadline falls on September 26, 2019.

Ano stressed that mayors should prioritize clearing primary roads like Commonwealth Avenue, Osmena Highway, Aurora Boulevard, and C5 that contribute to traffic in the Metro. He further emphasized that residential areas with sidewalks being used as parking areas of makeshift terminals and marketplaces should be next on the list of places to clear.

The San Juan City government is shifting its fight against traffic. The city itself has already begun its anti-illegal parking operations along Club Filipino Avenue, and portions of Annapolis street, Missouri Street, and Connecticut Street. These areas are now no parking zones seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Taking it a step further to improve the flow of traffic around the Metro, there is the 'proof of parking' bill that President Duterte wants to implement immediately. This requires prospective vehicle owners to present proof that they have a parking space or else they will not be able to register their vehicle. 

This bill will also mandate that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the MMDA work together with local government units to clear the streets and remove illegally parked vehicles, as well as punish those who do not comply with the law.

This is all in conjunction with that President Duterte said during his recent State of the Nation Address "reclaim all public roads that are being used for private ends."