MMDA To Permanently Enforce ‘No Physical Contact Policy’ In Dealing With Traffic Violations

The Metro Manila Council, the policy-making body of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), passed on Tuesday the resolution for the permanent implementation of the ‘No Physical Contact Policy’ in apprehending traffic violators.

In a meeting at the MMDA headquarters in Makati City, the council made the decision after it has deemed the implementation of the policy effective in dealing with traffic violations in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City in 2011.

MMC is composed of the 17 local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region.

The resolution seeks the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, digital cameras and other methods to capture images and videos of traffic violations.

The agency will then summon concerned motorists regarding their violations.

The MMC said the policy also aims to prevent unscrupulous acts of traffic enforcers such as extorting money from motorists who want to evade their violations.

The traffic scheme shall cover moving violations of drivers along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, especially along Edsa and C-5.

“There had been piles of summons regarding the violations caught with the No Physical Contact Policy on my desk which proves its effectiveness,” MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos told reporters after the meeting.

“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, then you’ll only need to review them,),” Carlos explained.

In addition, the resolution allows the motorists to contest the violations before the Traffic Adjucation Division (TAD) provided that they appeal the offense within seven days from its date of receipt.

This modifies the policy during the tenure of former MMDA chief Bayani Fernando where apprehended motorists have to pay fines first before explaining their side during adjudication.

“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 improve. You have the right to contest, if you contest the period will be extended and you’re only ask to pay if you lose the contest, ” Carlos added.

However, Carlos explained that the policy will only catch moving violations, thus leaving administrative offenses to MMDA constables.

Carlos said the ‘No Physical Contact Policy’ will not rid Metro Manila’s streets and roads of traffic enforcers because there are still places that are not covered by CCTV cameras.

MMDA will install 160 CCTV cameras in addition to more than 400 CCTV cameras which were already installed in strategic areas around Metro Manila.

Carlos said the resolution is set to be implemented in March.

The ‘No Physical Contact Policy’ was earlier implemented during the time of former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino to catch overspeeding motorists. (PNA) BNB/CLTC/ LOUISE SOFIA A. USERO/CHRISHEIL C. ACA