MMDA gets P20M in fines from erring motorists caught on cam

FROM a command center, MMDA personnel track errant motorists on major thoroughfares. FILE PHOTO

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has collected around P20 million in fines as a result of the “no-contact apprehension” policy that took effect in April.

Based on the latest report released by the agency’s Public Information Office, 37,294 motorists were caught on camera violating traffic rules in the first nine months that the policy was implemented.

The system involves the use of 250 closed-circuit television cameras, mostly installed along major routes and in strategic positions across Metro Manila, especially on Edsa, C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, Commonwealth Avenue and Macapagal Avenue.

Most of the violators were caught for speeding (where fine for the first offense is P1,200), illegal parking (P1,200), and disregarding the loading and unloading zones (P150).

A motorist caught on camera receives a notice from the MMDA. The violation may be contested before the agency’s Traffic Adjudication Division (TAD) within seven days upon receipt of the notice.

The driver may file a motion for reconsideration on the TAD decision and make a further appeal in the Office of the Chairman.

The vehicle’s registration cannot be renewed until the fine is settled.

The policy was first implemented in 2007 during the MMDA chairmanship of Bayani Fernando.

But it was discontinued due to numerous complaints from motorists who claimed that they were cited for violations and penalized without their knowledge. –Dexter Cabalza