MMC approves street parking ban in Metro Manila to ease traffic

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has approved a regulation synchronizing street parking in Metro Manila, prohibiting parking on selected national primary and secondary roads to ease traffic congestion.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to implement this parking ban before the Christmas rush to mitigate expected holiday traffic.

The ban covers all six circumferential and 10 radial roads, including specific major avenues and boulevards.

Parking is strictly prohibited on national primary roads, intersections, crosswalks, in front of fire hydrants and driveways, on sidewalks, and along major Metro Manila routes.

On-street parking may be allowed on national secondary roads through local ordinances, except during rush hours, provided these ordinances align with the new MMC regulation.

Violators face fines up to P2,000, and unattended vehicles or those refusing to move will be towed and impounded.

The regulation also prohibits public utility vehicle terminals along national roads, requiring local government units to establish designated transport hubs.

However, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno expressed concern that the ban could hurt the economy of some commercial districts, specifically mentioning Chinatown in Binondo.