THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday said more than 500,000 traffic violations were recorded in the metropolis since the implementation of the Non-Contact Apprehension Program was suspended.
To recall, the Supreme Court ordered the Land Transportation Office and several local government units in Metro Manila in August 2022 to stop the implementation of the NCPA while it hears the legal challenges filed by various transport groups to that policy on monitoring traffic violations via closed circuit television cameras.
The MMDA said despite the NCAP suspension, it continues to monitor traffic violations throughout the metropolis and reminds motorists to strictly follow traffic rules and regulations to prevent road accidents.
“Even if the policy is suspended, we continue to monitor violators of our traffic laws whose numbers already reached 585,023 since its suspension and up to this month,” MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said.
Artes said the agency will continue its drive against erring motorists through “on-the-ground” physical apprehension to ensure discipline on the road.
He added there is also an increased visibility in the number of traffic enforcers along major thoroughfares even amid the extreme heat.
Last year, Artes said the MMDA would need around 7,000 traffic enforcers to cover the 17 local government units in Metro Manila with the NCAP suspended.
“Kung walang NCAP (If there is no NCAP), we will need at least 7,000 traffic enforcers.
Kung may NCAP sufficient na ang 2,500 na traffic enforcers (If there’s an NCAP, 2,500 traffic enforcers are sufficient),” Artes said last September.
Currently, the 2,500 traffic personnel of the MMDA are spread in all major roadways and thoroughfares in three shifts daily.
