The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Saturday approved stiffer fines against illegally parked cars in the National Capital Region.

Reports said the fines were hiked to free side streets of obstructions and provide alternate routes to make Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) controversial high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) scheme on EDSA more effective.

Composed of Metro Manila mayors, MMC is the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA.

Based on the consensus of the council, the fine for attended illegally parked cars will be raised from P200 to P1,000.

For unattended illegally parked cars, the fine will be raised from P300 to P2,000 aside from the cost of towing.

Despite the backlash from lawmakers and motorists against the driver-only ban on EDSA during rush hours, the MMC said Friday that it will not suspend the scheme.

The Senate earlier had passed a resolution urging MMDA to suspend the new traffic policy.

According to the MMC, the dry run of the HOV will continue until further notice.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista said MMDA and Metro Manila cities, particularly San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati and Taguig, will create a study from the dry run to see the impact of the scheme in improving traffic flow in the metropolis.

The fines were hiked to free side streets of obstructions and provide alternate routes to make Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s controversial high-occupancy vehicle scheme of EDSA more effective.

“We will also continue our dialogue with both Houses and then meet with [Malacañang] to present our findings,” he added.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia advised the public to practice carpooling even though fines will not be implemented just yet.

“We really need to do something and we’re encouraging people to practice carpooling. Our local officials said traffic congestion has become heavier in the inner streets. That’s why we reiterate the need for carpooling,” Garcia said.