Over 1,000 motorcycle lane violators caught on 1st day

More than 1,000 people — some of them officers of the law — were flagged down on the first day of a week-long dry run to have motorcycle riders use lanes designated for them in two major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. On his Twitter account, Metro Manila Development Authority Traffic Discipline Office OIC Yves Gonzalez said 1,154 motorcycle riders were made to undergo a safety seminar Monday. "As of 6 p.m., total number of motorcycle riders flagged down and made to undergo orientation seminar today at Commonwealth & Macapagal (was) 1,154," he said, referring to Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in southern Metro Manila. Gonzalez noted an increase in the number of violators as the afternoon rush hours started. During these times, he said the tents where the motorcycle safety seminars were held were filled up.

"As the afternoon rush hours start, full house na naman ang aming MMDA Motorcycle Seminar tent," he said. He also noted many of the offenders were police personnel. An earlier report on dzBB radio said the violators included policemen, soldiers and even MMDA personnel. While he did not give figures on how many law enforcers were caught, Gonzalez said even the lawmen were made to attend the seminars. "Madami na kami nahuli today na pulis. Pinagse-seminar din namin like everyone else," he said. The dry run will last for one week. Starting October 24, the MMDA will impose a P500 fine on motorcycle riders not using the designated lanes. — KBK, GMA News