The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has warned motorists to brace for heavier traffic this week as the Christmas rush intensifies. The advisory comes after recent days of significant congestion in key thoroughfares.

Victor Nuñez, director of the MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group, emphasized the need for coordinated traffic management among local government units (LGUs).

“The Local Government Units should have a coordinated traffic management plan. They should not formulate policies on their own. If there is a truck ban, then the hours of the truck ban should be uniform,” he said in a radio interview.

Nuñez also cited the impact of temporary permits issued by LGUs for Christmas bazaars, which, when combined with trucks ignoring the truck ban, contribute to severe traffic jams.

“That is why we will be meeting traffic heads from Cainta, Antipolo, Marikina, among others, tomorrow, to prevent that incident of huge traffic jams from happening again,” he added.

He noted that certain roads, such as Marcos Highway, are particularly vulnerable due to interconnected subdivisions.

“We would discuss with [the] authorities that certain cars be allowed [to pass inside the roads of the subdivision] so that the entire Marcos Highway won’t be clogged. Unfortunately, there are security guards of private subdivisions who meddle with the traffic flow,” Nuñez explained.

The MMDA will also assist in evaluating U-turn slot placements and calibrating traffic lights along Marcos Highway to improve traffic flow during the holidays.

Motorists are advised to plan their trips accordingly and expect longer travel times on major roads throughout Metro Manila.