MMDA begins crackdown on e-trikes, other light vehicles plying major roads
At least 87 riders were apprehended while 19 light vehicles were impounded in the first few hours of the strict implementation of the ban on e-trikes and similar light vehicles on major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday, April 17, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
While there were no special operations to implement the ban, MMDA said its enforcers, who were regularly deployed in various major roads, were still able to apprehend several riders.
“Starting in the early morning up to 12 noon today (Wednesday), a total of 87 individuals were issued with ticket violations while 19 units were impounded,” the MMDA statement read.
Of those apprehended, 50 of them were tricycle drivers, four were pedicab riders, 18 were e-trike riders and 15 e-bike riders.
All the apprehended violators had to pay a hefty ₱2,500-fine.
And for those with no driver’s license and no vehicle registration, the MMDA said its enforcers were left with no option but to impound their vehicles.
MMDA chairman Don Artes earlier explained that impounding the e-trikes and e-bikes will be the last option if the riders have no driver’s license and if the electric vehicles are not registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Such a rule is stipulated in the resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council to regulate e-trikes and e-bikes on major roads.
Artes urged riders of e-trikes and e-bikes to refrain from travelling along major roads that the MMDA identified to be unsafe for their vehicles.
He said the same rule applies for tricycles, pedicabs and “kuliglig”.
The enforcement was supposed to start on Monday, April 15, but was deferred for two days due to transport strike.