STARTING today, the number coding scheme that is being implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be temporarily lifted.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said that the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction (UVVR) Scheme, which bars vehicles from major thoroughfares on weekdays, depending on the plate number’s last digit will be temporarily suspended on December 24, 25 and 31 and on Jan. 1, 2013.

The MMDA has been implementing the UVVR Scheme, which bars vehicles from main roads from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the last digit of its plate numbers.

Under the scheme, vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are barred on Mondays; 3 and 4 on Tuesdays; 5 and 6 on Wednesdays; 7 and 8 on Thursdays and 9 and 0 on Fridays.

President Benigno Aquino 3rd signed Proclamation 295 declaring December 25 (Christmas Day) a regular holiday, while December 31 (Monday), the last day of the year, is a special non-working day.

Meanwhile, Proclamation 361 signed by Aquino last March 29 declared December 24 as a special non-working day.

Proclamation 459, moreover, declared that New Year’s Day on January 1, 2013 (Tuesday) is also a regular holiday nationwide.

Tolentino also reminded motorists using “Christmas Lanes” that they are not exempted from the number coding scheme. He also expressed confidence that the ”Christmas Lanes” will help motorists avoid heavy traffic during holidays.

The ”Christmas Lanes” or “Mabuhay lanes” offer motorists alternate routes, which begin at the north and south entry points of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue. A complete online map of the “Christmas lanes” can be seen on the MMDA website mmda.gov.ph).