The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will soon impose a higher fine and penalty to motorists violating the EDSA Bus Carousel lanes reserved for buses and other emergency vehicles only.

This after the Metro Manila Council, the policy making body of the MMDA, approved Resolution No. 23-002, increasing prescribed fines for violation of the "Exclusive City Bus Lane/Bus Carousel Lane" regulation along EDSA.

According to MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, despite the constant warning and reminders issued by MMDA that "Exclusive City Bus Lane/EDSA Bus Carousel Lanes" are for the exclusive use of Public Utility Buses and exempt motor vehicles, it has been observed that many errant drivers of privately owned vehicles, motorcycle riders and other unauthorized motor vehicles continue to disregard the police.

Presently, the prescribed fines imposed on drivers of motor vehicles, either publicly or privately owned, for the violation of the "Exclusive City Bus Lane/Bus Carousel Lane" is P1,000 for each offense, to become an effective deterrent measure, there is a perceived need to increase the fines and penalties of its violation.

The fines and penalties approved by the MMC:

1st offense — P5,000

2nd offense — P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver's license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar

3rd offense — P20,000 plus one year suspension of driver's license

4th offense — P40,000 plus recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver's license.

The MMDA said if the violator refused to stop or attempt to escape authorities, the offense shall be "automatically treated as if it was his/her 3rd offense and shall be meted the penalty corresponding thereof."