A lawmaker on Friday lauded the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for its decision to ban electric bikes and trikes from major Metro Manila thoroughfares, calling the move a balanced approach to road safety that considers the needs of daily commuters.

Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon, a member of the House Transportation Committee, commended the LTO as the ban took effect on high-speed arteries including EDSA, C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the stretch from Quirino Avenue to the South Luzon Expressway.

Ridon praised the agency for limiting the prohibition to major highways while allowing the vehicles to operate on secondary roads.

“We thank the Land Transportation Office for specifying only particular major roads in Metro Manila where e-trikes are prohibited,” Ridon said. “This responds to the call of users nationwide to make policies on light electric vehicles more understanding and people-centered, especially since our countrymen use these in their daily lives.”

Meantime, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said the enforcement is rooted in safety, noting that primary roads designed for fast, heavy traffic are not suitable for lightweight, slow-moving vehicles.

“The simultaneous use of slow and light vehicles on these types of roads poses a clear danger to all road users,” Lacanilao said.

The agency stressed that the policy is a safety measure to prevent accidents while the Department of Transportation develops more comprehensive guidelines. To assist those who rely on these vehicles, Lacanilao said the LTO is ready to collaborate with local governments to establish safe, alternative routes.

Drivers found violating the ban face fines and potential vehicle impoundment under Republic Act 4136 and Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.