MMDA set to reimplement the ‘no-contact’ policy in apprehension of drivers on April 15

(Photo: MMDA/Facebook)

MANILA—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Sunday it will start next month the reimplementation of the “no-physical contact” policy in the apprehension” of traffic violators in the metropolis.

Rony Rivera, MMDA Traffic Discipline Officer, said they will implement anew the “no-contact” apprehension on April 15 after the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the policy-making body of the MMDA, recently approved the resolution making the scheme permanent through the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, digital cameras and other technologies being used in capturing images that will enable them to see the plate numbers and the violations of the drivers.

He added that they will install an additional 250 CCTV cameras in strategic areas in Metro Manila.

“Inaayos ng techno-base yung anggulo at kung saan ipupuwesto para maganda yung kuha… Sa picture pa lang makikita na yung violation (The techno-base is fixing the angle and the position (of CCTV cameras) for better capture… The (traffic) violation can be seen in the picture alone),” he said during the agency’s weekly radio program on Sunday.

He said they will focus on traffic violators such as bus drivers who will exit the yellow lane or will unload and load passengers in the middle of the road, as well as private motorists who will enter the yellow lane, and reckless drivers.

For his part, MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the policy aims to reduce traffic build-up in the metropolis by using cameras instead of apprehending drivers in the middle of the road.

Under the “no-contact” policy, traffic enforcers only need to take a picture of the violator or review the MMDA’s CCTV cameras in the area and write the plate number of the vehicle on a “summon form,” which will be sent to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

After identifying the owner of the vehicle, the MMDA will send a mail to the violator stating the amount of fine he should pay within seven days upon receipt of the letter.

Carlos said only “moving violators” will be apprehended and not “administrative violators” like drivers of colorum vehicles.

The traffic scheme shall cover moving violations of erring drivers along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, especially along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and C-5 Road.