The Need for Speed-Lawmaker Proposes Higher Speed Limits on Expressways

MANILA: Ilocos Sur First District Representative Ronald Singson wants to increase the speed limits on certain expressways to 140kph.

However, some government agencies are concerned about the safety of the roads and whether they can handle higher speeds.

The House Bill (HB) No. 4089 authored by Singson seeks to set standard speed limits for expressways by amending Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Singson believes that vehicles and roads are now better equipped to handle higher speeds over expressways, like the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

According to him, the government has spent a lot of money improving the infrastructure of these expressways, and they should be used to their full potential.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is concerned that the current road conditions may not be safe for higher speeds.

Meanwhile, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) support the bill but want to implement more safety measures.

The TRB is also concerned that the roads were constructed based on an old law that may not be applicable for high speeds.

The LTO supports the bill, especially since the engines of modern vehicles have higher displacement.

In 2013, similar measures were filed before Congress, seeking to increase the speed limit to 130kph for cars and motorcycles, and 110 for buses and trucks.

As of now, NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) have a 100kph speed limit for cars and 80kph for trucks and buses.

Meanwhile, the Skyway has a speed limit of 60kph in some portions and 80kph in straight sections.

Photos from Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation

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