Here are the implementing rules and regulations of HOV Traffic Scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has shed more light on its upcoming High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Traffic Scheme. In case you haven’t caught the news, this is the newest policy that MMDA will implement on EDSA, or at least most of it, with the goal to lessen the volume of cars that traverse one of the major roads in the National Capital Region (NCR).

[UPDATE] MMDA suspends HOV Traffic Scheme until MMC votes otherwise

With that, a photo of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) has circulated the web, signed by Atty. Crisanto C. Saruca Jr., Director IV of Traffic Discipline Office and OIC - Metro Manila Council Secretariat.

In the said IRR, here are the key points you should know about the HOV Traffic Scheme:

• HOV lanes include all lanes of EDSA from Balintawak, Quezon City to Magallanes, Makati City – both northbound and southbound.
• It supersedes current ordinances, resolutions, and regulations of cities included in the route mentioned, provided that they’re not in contrary to the said scheme.
• Both private and public vehicles are affected, except motorcycles. HOVs are defined as vehicles with at least two people on board, including the driver.
• Implementation of the HOV Traffic Scheme is from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m, Mondays through Fridays. However, crossing through intersections involving EDSA shall be allowed.
• A P1,000 fine will be imposed to those who will be caught violating the HOV Traffic Scheme.
• Dry run of the said scheme will happen from August 15 to 22, 2018.
• Full implementation will be on August 23, 2018.

However, it isn’t clear as of this moment as to how the scheme will be enforced. If we are to follow the previous report about this new regulation, MMDA will use its Non-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), which uses high-powered cameras, to catch violators, just like what they have been doing with the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA). This means if ever you’re caught without passengers on EDSA, expect to receive your notice via mail instead.

To recall, the previous press release of MMDA saw General Manager Jojo Garcia appeals to the public for their cooperation to the HOV Traffic Scheme. He is in high hopes of seeing a 40% decrease in vehicle volume on EDSA because of the HOV Traffic Scheme. The agency is also aware that the new regulation might infuse traffic to alternate routes, but he appealed that MMDA has been astringent in clearing the side streets to alleviate the effect of the new traffic scheme.

Source: Facebook