MMDA all set for ‘no-contact’ policy

MMDA inaugurates new traffic system. Photo from MMDA Facebook page

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has installed an additional 250 high definition closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras around Metro Manila in preparation for the implementation of the “no-contact” apprehension policy starting on April 15.

During the agency’s weekly radio program on Sunday, MMDA No-Contact Policy head Ronnie Rivera said that they were just fine-tuning the setup and testing the quality of the feed from the cameras.

“We are checking if they can see even from afar the plate numbers of vehicles passing along designated roads,” he added.

Also being checked were the cameras’ angles to ensure that these would be in the best position to capture violations committed by motorists as well as the license plates of their vehicles.

“We are also waiting for another 100 cameras to help us with the no-contact apprehension policy,” Rivera said, adding that the MMDA would  focus on traffic violations such as illegally parked vehicles, encroaching on yellow boxes at intersections, unlawful use of the bus lanes, reckless driving and loading and unloading in prohibited areas.

The traffic scheme will initially be implemented on Edsa and C-5, including other major thoroughfares covered by the MMDA’s CCTV cameras.

MMDA Chair Emerson Carlos earlier said that the agency has 400 CCTV cameras all over Metro Manila on top of those installed only recently.

The agency, however, did not say where the new cameras were, preferring to keep their location a secret for now.

Under the no-contact policy, the MMDA will keep track of motorists’ compliance with traffic rules through its CCTV cameras. Within three days of the supposed violation, drivers will be notified by the agency and will have seven days to contest its findings. In the absence of a protest, they will receive a final notice asking for payment of the corresponding fine.

Carlos said a 15-man team stationed at the MMDA Metrobase on Orense Street in Makati City will be in charge of monitoring the footage taken by CCTV cameras. –Maricar B. Brizuela