Actions Against Illegal Parking and Street Vendors Escalated

MANILA: The government authorities are trying their every bit to improve the road conditions of the country. Whether it is making action plan to fight monsoon or to improve road safety of the people, the government has been always on the front foot. Now, the government is planning to improve the driving conditions within Manila to give a better experience to the people. Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has ordered to clear all the major routes of the city to improve the traffic flow. On Thursday, Estrada went on a road-clearing session where around 250 illegal vendors and vehicles parked were removed. This was done around Rizal Avenue and some parts of Juan Luna Street in Divisoria.

Some raids were also done on Sta. Elena Street, Rector Bridge near Dragon 8 Shopping Center and Padre Rada Street to prevent a permanent establishment from the vendors. Estrada said, “ It looks to me that these vendors does not seem to take the orders seriously and have made a habit of placing their stalls on the major routes, resulting obstructions. We cannot go ahead like this and these vendors have to be moved to side streets where they would not hamper traffic. We are even explaining the affected vendors and the vehicle owners who parked illegally that the more they clog the streets, the less business and livelihood will be there for them. It is time that people realize that clearing the roads will make Manila attractive and a more efficient commercial hub.”

To clear the roads, the officials of Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Department of Public Services (DPS), Manila Police District (MPD), Office of the City Engineer, and Manila Tricycle Regulatory Office (MTRO) took initiative of towing the vehicles. With such aggressive efforts, we expect that soon the city of Manila will have a smooth flowing traffic on major routes with better facilities.