The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started implementing its “No Physical Contact Apprehension Policy” at 10am last Fri, Apr 15. By noon that same day, 176 erring motorists were cited for a variety of violations.
Unlike in the usual manual ticketing system, traffic violators need not be flagged down under the new policy. They just need to be caught on CCTV.
The policy makes use of the agency’s 450 high definition closed circuit television cameras that record the violations committed by the driver in real time. The quality of the cameras are said to be “high definition” and “can capture violations even at nighttime.”
A 15-man team is assigned to monitor the CCTV feeds from major Metro Manila thoroughfares such as Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Commonwealth Avenue, Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, Marcos Highway, Roxas Boluevard, C5 Road, Quezon Avenue, and others.
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. He added that using the CCTV will prevent incidents of bribery.
At times, traffic violators have also resorted to flashing the calling cards of government or police officials to get their way out of traffic violations.
However take note: MMDA traffic enforcers will still be posted in areas not covered by the CCTV cameras. from a Philippine News Agency report
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