HERMOSA, Bataan -- The Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) has begun to enforce a provincial ordinance prohibiting motorcycles and tricycles from using the inner lane of the Roman Highway to reduce accidents.
Motorcycles and tricycles can only use the rightmost section of the four-lane Roman Expressway.
The ordinance, enforced on Thursday, also specified a speed limit along the 57-km. national highway from Dinalupihan to Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga City, Pilar, Orion, Limay and Mariveles.
“Motorcycles and tricycles should stay and use the rightmost portion of the highway except to overtake. Violators will be apprehended and charged for reckless driving,” MBDA General Manager Carlos Pizarro Jr. said.
Pizarro noted that many motorcycles and tricycles pass through the national highway.
“A big percentage of the accidents along Roman Expressway was caused by motorcycles and tricycles. That is why we are asking the motorists to follow the ordinance,” he said.
Some portions of the expressway in the first district have already been widened to six lanes.
Pizarro said Governor Albert Garcia has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to turn the entire length of the expressway into eight lanes.
“If it is already eight lanes, we will study if we can provide a special lane for motorcycles and tricycles. However, the problem is that there is a law prohibiting tricycles along the national road,” he said.
“The plan of GM Pizarro is immediate and short-term solution to lessen the accidents along the highway,” Garcia said.
The ordinance limits trucks to a maximum speed of 50 km. per hour (kph) and a minimum of 40 kph; buses, jeepneys and UV Express at a maximum of 70 kph and a minimum of 40 kph; cars, AUVs and SUVs at a maximum of 80 kph and a minimum of 60 kph; and motorcycles at a maximum of 60 kph and a minimum of 40 kph.
Also allowed on the expressway are passenger buses and heavy trucks, such as fuel and liquefied petroleum gas tankers getting materials from oil depot, refinery and various companies in Limay and Mariveles towns. (PNA)
Photo by Ernie Esconde
