MMDA: Riders seeking cover from rain under overpasses to be fined starting Aug. 1

Motorcycle riders who take shelter from rain under overpasses will be fined starting August 1, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday.

“We’re looking at August 1,” MMDA acting chairperson Romando Artes told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita when asked when would they start imposing fines for such infraction.

“We’re giving sufficient notice dahil ito po naman ay batas na kailangan naman naming ipatupad,” he added.

(We’re giving sufficient notice because this is a law that we should implement.)

Artes earlier said a P1,000 fine will be imposed on a rider for obstructing traffic.

He clarified that motorcycle riders will be allowed to stop under overpasses for a moment to wear their raincoat but they should leave immediately.

“Linawin ko lang, hindi natin sila pinagbabawalan na sumilong saglit, magsuot ng kapote, at umalis para hindi sila mabasa. Ang pinagbabawal natin ay ‘yung pagtambay at pagsilong na nagpapatila ng ulan,” he said.

(Let me just clarify that we are not prohibiting them from temporarily stopping under the overpass to put on their raincoats. What we are prohibiting them is staying under the overpass for a long period of time.)

It is those who will stay longer under the overpass waiting for the downpour to stop who will be fined, Artes stressed.

Aside from causing traffic congestion, Artes said staying under overpasses for a prolonged period of time also poses danger to the motorcycle rider.

He said riders may stop at designated motorcycle lay-by areas in case of rain. –KBK, GMA Integrated News