Official: Metro Manila will have coding from 5PM to 8PM
Coding returns, but only from 5:00PM to 8:00PM
For those stressed about the traffic situation in Metro Manila and wishing for the number coding to make a comeback, you've been heard.
The majority of Metro Manila mayors have agreed to reinstate the number coding scheme starting this week. Unlike before, however, it won't be the whole day. Instead, the coding will be implemented only during the afternoon/evening rush hour.
According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos, the resumption of the number coding scheme will only cover private vehicles. Furthermore, it will be implemented only from Monday to Friday, every 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. As such, motorists will not be apprehended for using a “coding” vehicle in the morning.
Public utility vehicles will be exempted from the number coding scheme as they are still operating under limited passenger capacity under Alert Level 2.
The actual implementation of the number coding scheme is set to begin two days after the resolution is published on the Official Gazette on Tuesday. This means coding will begin on December 2 at the earliest. For now, you can continue using your vehicle without having to worry about being flagged down by an enforcer.
It's been almost two years since number coding was suspended. For those that need a refresher, vehicles with plates ending in 1 and 2 are coding on Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 7 and 8 on Thursday, 9 and 0 on Friday.
Update: In a press conference today, November 30, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos has announced that number coding will be implemented starting tomorrow, December 1, 2021.
“Data shows that the travel speed along the northbound portion of EDSA is 9.66 kilometers per hour. Hence, we have to reinstate the number coding scheme during the afternoon rush hours to address the problem. We are trying to exhaust all options here,” Abalos stressed.
According to Neomie Recio, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office director, approximately 2,700 vehicles per hour will be reduced plying EDSA alone with the re-implementation of the number coding scheme for 5 to 8 PM.
Meanwhile, Abalos said the light trucks ban along EDSA will be reimplemented, also with modification.
Based on the UVVRP motor vehicle plate endings, light trucks shall be prohibited to ply EDSA between Magallanes, Makati City, and North Avenue, Quezon City, both northbound and southbound, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, except holidays.
“Light trucks” refer to motor vehicles, whether for commercial use or not, with a gross capacity weight of 4,500 kilograms or below and/or having six (6) or more tires, the payload area of which are either enclosed or open.
Meanwhile, the total truck ban policy along EDSA between Magallanes, Makati City, and North Avenue, Quezon City, both northbound and southbound, shall remain and be strictly enforced with the exception of garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and trucks carrying essential and/or perishable goods. On the other hand, the truck ban hours in the NCR shall remain suspended until further notice.
"Trucks" refer to motor vehicles, whether for commercial use or not, with a gross capacity weight of above 4,500 kilograms.
