The expanded no window hours policy in the number coding scheme has been extended for another six months, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday, because it was effective in reducing traffic congestion in Metro Manila during the holidays.
The extension of the expanded traffic scheme until July was approved in principle by the Metro Manila Council, the agency’s policy-making body, and the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic before the policy expires on January 31.
Under the scheme, vehicles covered by the number coding scheme for a particular day would not be able to use more than 20 roads even during the five-hour window period from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also, motorists are banned from roads covered by the scheme between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. based on the last digit of their license plate – 1 and 2 on Mondays; 3 and 4 on Tuesdays; 5 and 6 on Wednesdays; 7 and 8 on Thursdays; and 9 and 0 on Fridays. The scheme was implemented in October last year.
With the limited period of extension, MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said their move will not result to people buying another vehicle because the extension will only be temporary.
“We do not see motorists resort to buying another car just to avoid the no window hours policy. It is just impractical,” Orbos said. (Anna Liza V. Alavaren)