- The MMDA will strengthen the “No Physical Contact” policy in dealing with traffic violators
- The decision is in line with the resolution passed by the Metro Manila Council on Tuesday
- All traffic violations in NCR will only be monitored through CCTV cameras beginning in March
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) has passed a resolution on Tuesday which permanently enforces the agency’s “No Physical Contact” policy in dealing with traffic violators.
In an article written by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan for InterAksyon, it was disclosed that the MMC, which is the MMDA’s policy-making body composed of leaders coming from the 17 local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR), has signed an agreement among its members that all traffic violations shall only be monitored using closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other recording devices installed along major thoroughfares beginning on March.
Prior to the passage of the resolution, the MMDA has already tested the implementation of the policy along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City since 2011, and Chairman Emerson Carlos has attested to its effectiveness.
“There had been piles of summons regarding the violations caught with the No Physical Contact Policy on my desk which proves its effectiveness,” Carlos said.
The agency chief has also noted that the latest resolution modifies the policy set by former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando that requires motorists to settle their fines before contesting the citations issued to them.
“There is no presumption of innocence, you are automatically considered at fault when you are caught, you need to pay the violations first before you are able to contest. Now if you look at the regulation, we made improvements. You have the right to contest. If you contest, the period will be extended and you’re only asked to pay if you lose the contest,” Carlos added.
The MMDA has decided to implement the policy to eradicate cases of bribery involving traffic constables and erring motorists.
Moreover, the regulation also lessens the possibility of having traffic violators who manage to escape after they are apprehended by law enforcers.
“When there is physical contact, constables will have to chase after the motorists before they could issue them receipts. There’s a possibility that violators will escape unlike when there is no contact, violations are captured through videos and then you’ll only need to review them,” Carlos said.
Post a Comment