Number-coding scheme for private vehicles, light truck ban in Metro Manila back this week

IMPLEMENTATION of the number coding scheme, which is intended to reduce the number of vehicles in Metro Manila roads during rush hour, will be resumed this week for private vehicles.

“The number coding scheme will be implemented any day this week during rush hour in the afternoon, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur C. Abalos in a statement on Monday.

Public utility vehicles, Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), motorcycles, garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and motor vehicles carrying essential and perishable goods are exempted from the program.

Mr. Abalos said stickers will be issued to registered TNVS units for easy identification by enforcers. “We are in coordination with the TNVS on the implementation of rules and regulations regarding this concern.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Abalos said the implementation of the uniform light truck ban along EDSA and Shaw Boulevard will also resume within this week, but under a modified system using the number-coding scheme.

Light trucks refer to motor vehicles, whether for commercial use or not, with a gross capacity weight of up to 4,500 kilograms and/or having six or more tires, and a payload area that is either enclosed or open.

Based on the motor vehicle plate endings, light trucks will be prohibited to ply EDSA between Magallanes in Makati City and North Avenue in Quezon City, both northbound and southbound, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Both the coding scheme and modified light truck ban will be in effect, after publication on the Official Gazette, on weekdays. The regulations are automatically lifted during holidays. — MSJ