Some local governments in Metro Manila will tighten the regulations on using electric vehicles such as e-bikes or e-trikes on national roads.
According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," in Manila, e-vehicles may be impounded if caught on national highways since they are unregistered.
A warning sign is posted along Taft Avenue, noting that tricycles, tok-toks, pedicabs, and electric or e-bikes are prohibited. Still, there is an e-trike and tricycle terminal in the area.
"Sa mga eski-eskinita lang daw po kami ang sabi, e wala naman po kaming magiging pasahero sa eskinita," said Danilo Parillo, a tricycle driver, who is already aware that they are not allowed in the area, but refused to follow the regulation.
(They say we are only allowed in alleys, but no passengers are in the alley.)
The Manila government then clarified that it is not depriving commuters of a more affordable way of transportation, but that the drivers must only use local roads.
"Wala nang jeep dyan papunta ng pier. Pag binawal ito ano'ng sasakyan nila? " said Benjamin Nguda, e-trike driver.
(There are no jeeps going to the pier. When e-trikes are banned, what transportation will the commuters use?)
According to Manila City government spokesperson Princess Abante, the city favors registering e-bikes.
"Kasama sa pag-register nito is the proper education noong owner at driver, also 'yung mga tamang edad ng dapat nagmamaneho ng e-bikes," she said.
(Along with the registration is the proper education of the owner and driver and the correct ages for those who should be driving e-bikes.)
In Taguig City, an announcement has also been issued that e-trikes are not allowed to use national roads such as C-6, C-5, and Kalayaan Avenue.
Despite this, some are even keeping up with the fast cars passing by the area.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said there is no problem with e-bikes or e-trikes. However, since regulation is needed, registration and requiring a driver's license for e-bike drivers is still a must.
It noted over 500 e-bike accidents in Metro Manila last year.
It can be recalled that the technical working group, made up of representatives of various traffic agencies and local government units' traffic heads, said the guidelines for regulating e-trikes and e-bikes might be accomplished this month. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
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