The LTO emphasized that the measure is a temporary safety intervention while awaiting more comprehensive joint guidelines from the Department of Transportation and other concerned agencies.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) began enforcing the ban on electric tricycles and electric bicycles along several major thoroughfares in Metro Manila on Friday, Jan. 2, citing traffic and safety regulations.
Covered by the prohibition are EDSA, C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard and the stretch from Quirino Avenue to Magallanes connecting to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), in line with existing Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) regulations.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the move is anchored on road safety considerations, noting that major thoroughfares are designed for faster and larger vehicles.
“These primary roads are not suitable for e-trikes due to traffic speed, volume of vehicles and road width. Mixing slow-moving, light vehicles with fast-moving traffic poses a clear danger to all road users,” Lacanilao said.
He stressed that the enforcement is intended to protect motorists and commuters, not to completely prohibit the use of e-trikes.
“We recognize that many people rely on e-trikes for daily transport. The LTO is ready to work with local government units and industry stakeholders to identify safe and appropriate routes for e-trikes in the coming days,” Lacanilao added, urging the public to comply with traffic rules to help maintain orderly traffic flow.
E-trike operators found plying prohibited roads will face penalties under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01. Sanctions include fines and possible impoundment of the vehicle.
The LTO emphasized that the measure is a temporary safety intervention while awaiting more comprehensive joint guidelines from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned agencies.
To ensure proper implementation, the LTO will deploy law enforcers in critical areas along the affected roads to inform motorists and enforce the policy.
The agency called on the public to cooperate and strictly observe existing traffic regulations in the interest of public safety.
Violators
Twenty e-bike and e-trike drivers were flagged down for traversing highways in Manila as the LTO began enforcing the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes along major highways.
All caught along Quirino Avenue, the violators were only given flyers to remind them about the policy, according to radio reports. They were let go as they did not carry a driver’s license or any identification card.
Personnel from the LTO’s field enforcement division also told e-bike and e-trike users to just cross the intersection and avoid driving along the highway, said team member Joseph Lauga.
The LTO started enforcing the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes along highways following a similar policy by the MMDA, according to a statement from the LTO last Jan. 1.
Limited coverage
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon lauded the LTO for its revised coverage of the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes, limiting it to select major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
Ridon, chairman of the House committee on public accounts and committee on transportation, made the statement in reaction to the LTO’s issuance of a revised policy indicating that it will implement the ban only on main roads of the metropolis.
“This is a big reward to the call of the e-trikes and e-bikes users nationwide to make the policy on light electric vehicles understanding and pro-people, especially that the people use this in their daily lives,” he added.
Ridon said they intend to help the LTO and the leadership of the DOTr regarding the new policy in the registration of light electric vehicles with weight of 50 kgs, licensing of drivers of LEVs with weight of 50 kgs and road safety education for all those who will buy LEVs. – With additional reports from Ghio Ong and Jose Rodel Clapano
