The first day of the full implementation of the expanded number coding scheme covering major thoroughfares in Metro Manila resulted in the apprehension and issuance of traffic violation tickets to 370 violators.
This is on top of the additional 146 violators of the non-contact apprehension policy which coincide with the start of the full implementation of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program in the metropolis, bringing the total apprehended yesterday to 516.
As early as 6 a.m. on Thursday, traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority positioned themselves in the EDSA-Timog base of the agency as they brace for the implementation of the number coding which has a three-day dry run.
According to Director Neomie Recio of MMDA Traffic Engineering Center, the volume count and travel speed survey is ongoing but based on the command center monitoring thru CCTV vehicle volume Thursday is much lesser in the southbound lane of EDSA.
“The volume count and travel speed survey of the agency is ongoing but based on our command center monitoring through CCTV, the vehicles’ queue was shorter southbound. Usually, vehicles are on top of the Timog flyover, but this morning the volume is there at the foot of the flyover,” Recio said.
Moving congestion
She said the same situation was observed from Guadalupe, Makati City to Buendia wherein usually in the morning the area is clogged but it was moving earlier. But the real evaluation will be based on the data they will retrieve from the Traffic Engineering Center.
Recio said it is just an initial assessment as they have yet to get the numbers to be scientific.
Earlier, the MMDA said that based on their study some 20 percent reduction in vehicle volume will result in the full implementation of the number coding scheme in Metro Manila.
Also, the agency said that a total of 7,405 motorists were given a warning during the dry run of the number coding in the morning from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The dry run started on Monday, 15 August, and ended Wednesday, 17 August.
From August 18 onwards, a fine of P300 will be meted to offending motorists.
On 11 August, the Metro Manila Council, composed of the Metro Manila mayors, agreed in a meeting, through MMDA Resolution 22-14 Series of 2022, to revive the number coding scheme in the morning in preparation for the face-to-face classes on 22 August.
The scheme will now be implemented from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Under the scheme, vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited on Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 7 and 8 on Thursday, 9 and 0 on Friday during the said coding hours.
MMDA acting chairman Carlo Dimayuga, earlier said that the reimplementation of the number coding scheme will reduce traffic volume by 20 percent during the morning and afternoon/evening peak hours.