Starting December 3, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a temporary truck ban along Roxas Boulevard to ease heavy traffic in view of the approaching holiday season and other major events in the country, including the various Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2015 meetings, and the visit of Pope Francis in January.
MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino did not specify until when the ban will be in effect.
The MMDA chief noted trucks should have been banned on Roxas Boulevard as early as August but the policy was put on hold to help efforts to decongest ports, a situation primarily caused by the Manila daytime truck ban implemented in February. While the Manila truck ban was lifted indefinitely in September, congestion at the ports lingers to this day.
Tolentino added that starting December 15, MMDA will also impose a moratorium on roadwork and other construction activities around Metro Manila.
“Unfinished road re-blockings will be stopped temporarily to allow vehicles to use these roads,” he explained.
The local government of Manila said it posed no objection to the MMDA truck ban since Roxas Boulevard is a national road under the jurisdiction of MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Truckers seek reconsideration
But the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) is not too happy with the decision. CTAP president Ruperto Bayocot told PortCalls they will ask MMDA to reconsider the reimposition of the truck ban on Roxas Boulevard because it will “add to the persisting problem” of port congestion.
Bayocot said although truckers have yet to be provided with a formal copy of the new order, he noted MMDA has already said they will allow truckers to use the old Southbound route. This route is as follows:
From Port Area to SLEX: Bonifacio Drive, left P. Burgos, Finance Road, Ayala Boulevard, right San Marcelino, right Plaza Dilao, right Pres. Quirino Extension, left Osmeña Highway
From SLEX to Port Area: SLEX right to Pres. Quirino, left to Plaza Dilao, left to United Nations, right Romualdez Street, left Ayala Boulevard-P. Burgos, right Bonifacio Drive to destination
Bayocot said this route will, however, add an hour to delivery time compared to if truckers used the Roxas Boulevard route. – Roumina Pablo
