MMDA HOV/carpool lane nets 5,081 violators on first day

The implementation of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane began yesterday as a means to alleviate traffic congestion along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) apprehends more than 5,000 violators.

Of the grand total, 1,275 were physical apprehensions by MMDA traffic enforcers, 3,722 were captured by close-circuit television cameras under the no-contact apprehension policy and 84 were caught on hand-held cameras by MMDA traffic enforcers.

The motorists were only given warnings as the new policy is currently on a one-week trial period.

The one-week trial of the HOV or carpool lane is the latest policy implemented by the MMDA. It mandates that only vehicles with 2 or more passengers and motorcycles can use the leftmost lane of EDSA.

Drivers who are alone inside their vehicle may only use the second lane (motorcycle lane), third and fourth lanes along EDSA.

After the one week trial period and once the policy has been fully implemented, motorists caught in violation will be fined Php 500.

With the HOV lane, the MMDA hopes to encourage carpooling and reduce the number of private vehicles on EDSA.