A new regulation restricting the use of light electric vehicles on major roads in Metro Manila kicked in on Monday .MANILA: A new regulation restricting the use of light electric vehicles on major roads in Metro Manila kicked in on Monday , but has raised concerns that transport options in the capital region will be further narrowed down.
Manila Bike Commuter digital creator Janardan Ladyong told CNA:"LEV users are varied. Regular office workers use them, because they are a faster alternative to bicycles or even public transport. Low-income families use them for groceries."The prohibition was implemented following an information and awareness campaign.
Advocates have also called on the government to prioritise greener options and offer tax incentives to light e-vehicle owners, as urban heat intensifies in the Philippines. “Due to the proliferation of e-vehicles, the MMC deemed it imperative to regulate and penalise those who will traverse the national roads using such means of transportation,” he stressed.
Relatively larger public utility e-vehicles called electric tricycles are also prohibited from using the major roads under the new regulation. Another E-trike driver Mel Cañete said: “E-trikes are more convenient for passengers, compared to a regular three-wheeled motor vehicle. E-trikes are safe, with strong brakes.”