THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday said traffic violations and accidents along Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and other thoroughfares continue to rise since last year when it suspended the implementation of the Non-Contact Apprehension Program due to a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court.
In a press briefing at the MMDA head office in Pasig City, agency chief Romando Artes said the average monthly traffic violations had risen to 22,746 from 9,540 when the NCAP was still in effect in August 2022.
He added that last month, traffic violations rose to a new high of 32,739.
During the briefing, he reported that a motorcycle rider died in a hit-and-run incident near the EDSA-Shaw underpass in Mandaluyong City early yesterday morning.
Artes said of the 32,739 traffic violations recorded last month, over 24,000 were for disregarding traffic signs, including the bus lanes; 5,500 for number coding, 2,088 for violation of the unloading and loading sites, 682 for obstruction, 56 for dress code, and 295 for illegal parking.
He said a study conducted by the agency showed that every road accident fatality costs, on average, P3.5 million, including lost income and damage to property.
Artes also issued a stern warning to motorists and motorcycle riders to stay out of the EDSA bus carousel lane after the fatal hit-and-run incident at the southbound portion of the EDSA-Shaw underpass.
Footage taken by MMDA traffic cameras showed a motorcycle rider being hit by a white sports utility vehicle and being run over by a fuel tanker while traversing the area at past 5 a.m.
He said both the rider and the SUV driver were traversing the EDSA bus carousel lane when the incident occurred while the tanker was driving beside the bus lane.
Artes also called on the public and other motorists who may have witnessed the incident to help identify the SUV driver who immediately fled the area.
He added the MMDA will also forward to the police the CCTV footage and other evidence that might help in their investigation and identification of the SUV driver.
“We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” he said.
Artes said the incident as well as the numerous violations should prompt a resolution of the NCAP issue still pending with the High Court due to the cases filed by several transport groups questioning its legality.
