Transport agencies tackle rules for electric vehicles

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes speaks to media members during a press conference at the New MMDA Building in Pasig City on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday started talks on regulations for electric motor vehicles amid their growing numbers on public roads.

“The proliferation of e-vehicles has become a cause for concern,” MMDA acting Chair Romando Artes said in a press conference at the MMDA head office in Pasig City.

“The [local government units (LGUs)] have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles. These will be reconciled with the policies of the national government,” he added.

Artes, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chair Teofilo Guadiz III, transport assistant secretary for road transport noninfrastructure Jose Lim IV and other officials met with MMDA officials to discuss the existing laws, policies, guidelines, ordinances and programs on electric vehicles for both national and local government units.

Appropriate measures

Mendoza said registering e-vehicles and requiring the users to obtain driver’s licenses were among the possible measures they were considering.

“We will take a second look at the suggestions of the LGUs and propose the appropriate measures to regulate the use of e-vehicles in major thoroughfares,” he said, adding that the LTO would also submit its recommendations to the DOTr.

E-vehicle units, e-tricycles, e-bikes, e-pedicables, e-scooters, push carts and kuliglig on the roads slow down traffic flow and pose threats to public safety, said Artes.