MANILA, Philippines — Even with the approval of the Metro Manila Traffic Code, some local government units (LGUs) might still enforce their own traffic regulations, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chairman Romando Artes hinted.

For instance, respective rules on the number coding scheme – which prohibits vehicles from traversing major roads depending on the day and the last digit of their plate number – will still apply per LGU.

Makati City has been enforcing its own number coding scheme, which is effective for 12 straight hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The MMDA implements a number coding scheme that runs only from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News, Artes said the local governments are still given leeway to implement their own policy as far as the number coding scheme is concerned.

He noted that Makati City has a “peculiar circumstance” because it “being the country’s premier business district, a lot of vehicles pass by the city, especially during rush hour.”

Artes added that the LGUs know their jurisdictions better and thus will be allowed to implement their own schemes.

Motorists who would be flagged down for violating the number coding scheme anywhere in Metro Manila should pay a fine worth P500, according to the single ticketing system provision of the Metro Manila Traffic Code.