World | Philippines
Government set to clamp down on motorbikes
The Philippines is set to tighten rules governing motorised two-wheel transport following an increase in the number of accidents involving motorcycles.
- By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
- Published: 23:28 September 6, 2008
Manila: The Philippines is set to tighten rules governing motorised two-wheel transport following an increase in the number of accidents involving motorcycles.
According to the Land Transport Office, authorities are set to enforce tomorrow more stringent rules and regulations governing the use of motorcycles on the highways.
Among other restrictions, the new regulations strictly limit riders on a motorcycle to two persons, restrict the type and weight of cargo allowed to be carried on the motorbikes and prohibit bikers from making modifications on their vehicles.
Just as in any other southeast Asian countries, motorcycles are increasingly becoming the transport of choice among many Filipinos.
The reason for this trend is obvious. Motorcycles are faster and are cheaper to acquire and maintain compared with a car or any other four-wheeled transport matters.
But coupled with this advantage is concern over the safety of such two-wheeled motorised transport.
As more Filipinos take to riding motorcycles, the number of accidents involving such transport likewise increase.
The increase in fuel prices is also expected to result in the rise in the number of motorists riding motorcycles.
Increasing accidents
According to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) accidents involving motorcycles have noticeably increased during the last four years.
Angelito Vergel de Dios, executive director of the MMDA Traffic Operations Centre said in Metro Manila alone, there were 2,092 accidents during the first five months of the year with 51 resulting in deaths.
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