MMDA programs provide better service, safer roads

A new and better traffic management system is set to come our way this April after the Metro Manila council officially adopted a new traffic management system that would harmonize national and local road rules and make it easier for road violators to settle fines and penalties.

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Metro Manila’s 17 mayors officially approved the adoption of the single-ticketing system that would address different procedures of apprehension, payment of fines, redemption of licenses and plates, as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws among local government units (LGU) that causes confusion to the driving public.

The single-ticketing system listed the most common traffic violation penalties which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila LGUs. These include disregarding traffic signs, illegal parking whether attended or unattended, number coding scheme, truck ban, light truck ban, reckless driving, unregistered motor vehicle, driving without license, tricycle ban, obstruction, motorcycle dress code, unauthorized modification, arrogance and discourteous conduct, loading and unloading in prohibited places, illegal counterflow, and overspeeding.

Meanwhile, expect heftier penalties to be imposed on violating special laws such as child safety on motor vehicles, mandatory use of helmets, anti-distracted driving, and anti-drunk and drugged driving.

According to MMDA, traffic enforcers are no longer required to flag and monitor traffic violations as the new system would strengthen the implementation of no contact apprehension policy (NCAP). In addition, driver's licenses will no longer be confiscated during apprehension.

Consequently, car registered owners will be informed of violations via post mail and shall be given only five days to contest the violations. If the MMDA office does not receive any contest after 10 days, MMDA shall effect a prescribed fine and shall indicate or show the fine during registration renewal.

Penalties and fines can also be settled conveniently at any Bayad center nearby.

According to MMDA, Metro Manila LGUs will begin adopting the new system on March 15, while full implementation is expected on April 1.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando “Don” Artes said that MMDA will shoulder all the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and NCAP expenses for the LGUs, as well as their integration with the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) management system or LTMS.

MMDA is now checking what equipment must be procured to allow LGU with NCAP to be integrated with the LTMS.

MMDA has so far done well in identifying the needs and gaps of Metro Manila’s land transportation system, under the watch of Chairman Artes, with various initiatives already in the pipeline geared towards providing better services to the public.

It can be learned that last month, MMDA also announced the creation of a new motorcycle riding academy which aims to further educate drivers to be more disciplined on the roads. The new academy is expected to be rolled out in the first quarter of the year and will be free to all motorcycle riders who want to participate.

These initiatives by the MMDA are just a testament that safer roads and better public service are of utmost priority. But it needs the full cooperation of Metro Manila residents, concerned agencies, as well aslocal governments, in order to ensure the successful implementation of these programs. 

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.