Starting March, MMDA will issue tickets to erring drivers seen on CCTV

They call it the no-contact apprehension policy, which is set to be implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) by March, 2016.

It's called as such because motorists caught on camera violating traffic rules, even without the presence of traffic enforcers, will be issued notices and pay the corresponding fines.

MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos said the policy is not new at all as they've already implemented it in 2011, but only for 6 months. During that period, the agency was able to catch more than 1,000 violators and were made to pay fines. These were never questioned in court, he added.

Here's how it works:

1. CCTV footage to capture the violation. The agency's 400 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other technologies being used in capturing images will be recording video footages of motorists caught committing "moving violations" along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, especially along Edsa and C-5.

2. License plate numbers to be recorded. The camera captures the vehicle's plate number and the files will be stored on the MMDA's database.

3. Motorists to be given 7 days to contest the violation. Erring drivers will be issued notices. They will be given 7 days from receipt of the notice to either pay the fines or to contest the violation with the MMDA's traffic adjudication division.

4. Non-payment of fines means no renewal of registration. If violators refuse or fail to settle the fines even after a final notice is issued to them, the vehicle's plate number will be submitted to the Land Transportation Office, with the recommendation that the vehicle's registration not be renewed until the fines are settled.

Carlos said,"We want it known to the public that somebody is watching you. To motorists, don't think that if you don't see any traffic enforcer, you can violate traffic rules,"  

"If there is no human factor, there will be no chance for negotiation, and therefore we can limit bribery and corruption on the road," 

He, however, pointed out that the CCTV cameras will not replace traffic enforcers on the road but will act as a supplement to catch more erring motorists.

The policy is expected to take effect in March - fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.


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