MMDA: Adjustments on 'killer highway' speed limit coming

After getting mixed reviews on its first day, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will make adjustments to its enforcement of a speed limit and lane segregation along the 12.4-km Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. But MMDA spokeswoman Tina Velasco said much of the initial adjustments will involve maintaining the enforcement without affecting operations in other areas of Metro Manila. "We will develop the process so we can efficiently distribute our personnel in Metro Manila," Velasco said in an interview on dzXL radio. She recalled the MMDA had fired some 1,800 contractual employees after Malacañang cut its budget for 2011. Velasco said the MMDA may ask for reinforcements from the office of Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, and local homeowners' associations. "We are serious about sustaining this program. Definitely we will have daily operations along Commonwealth Avenue," she said. Velasco also said the feedback was "generally" positive, with motorists and commuters cooperating with the new rules. On the other hand, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported several motorists and commuters were not happy with the MMDA's enforcement of the speed limit and lane segregation. Under the MMDA's rules for Commonwealth Avenue, vehicles are to observe a 60-kph speed limit and a segregation system where the two rightmost lanes are for buses, the next two are for motorcycles and jeepneys, and the others for private vehicles. The dzBB report said many of the MMDA traffic enforcers had to force a smile while listening to complaints from motorists and drivers. Complaints ranged from motorists claiming they "did not know" about the new rules, to the rules being "biased for the rich." "Pagbigyan ang mga yan dahil may pasok ang mga yan (Let them go because they have to get to school)," one motorist caught violating the lane segregation rule was quoted as telling the MMDA enforcers.

For his part, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, who had been in the area since 4 a.m., rejected suggestions to raise the speed limit to 70 kph. "Our studies show 60 kph is the right speed for drivers, especially senior citizens, to maintain their reflexes. Our aim is to save lives by minimizing accidents)," he said in an interview on dzBB. He also said violators caught on camera will have the chance to defend themselves, as they will get summonses. "Pwede ka mag-protest, halimbawa, sasabihin mong nagdadala ng pasyente sa ospital. Ipakita ang medical certificate at bibigyan ng konsiderasyon (You can explain why you were in a hurry. For example if you were rushing someone to a hospital you can present a medical certificate, and it will be considered)," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV