SEN. Joseph Victor Ejercito on Tuesday night said the government must put up proper traffic signs and road markings that will effectively guide motorists to prevent them from violating the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP).
Ejercito said the first day of NCAP showed the “usual traffic violations” committed by motorists, such as disregarding traffic signs and use of the EDSA busway, which can be avoided if the proper traffic signs and road markings are in place.
Ejercito said the usual traffic violations could mean that motorists need to obey traffic rules and regulations.
“Puwedeng ibig sabihin nito ay kailangan pang paigitingin ang disiplina sa kalsada. Kung makakatulong ang NCAP sa layuning ito ay suportado natin ito — gaya ng suporta natin sa iba pang hakbang na makakatulong sa pagsasa-ayos ng system ng trapiko sa Metro Manila at iba pang urban centers (If this could also mean the need to instill more discipline on the road. If NCAP can help with this, I fully support the program, like the support I gave to other measures that will fix the traffic system in Metro Manila and urban centers),” he said.
Ejercito reminded the Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to take this opportunity to ensure the smooth implementation of NCAP so that the rights of the motorists and the riding public are not trampled on.
“Maging gabay sana ito hindi lang para sa mga motorista para sumunod sa batas trapiko, kundi wake-up call din para sa mga ahensiya na gampanan nang maayos ang kanilang mandato (May this serve as guide to motorists to obey traffic rules, and at the same time as a wakeup call for concerned agencies to perform their mandates well),” he said.
“Panahon din ito para palakasin ang motorists’ education drive at siguruhing tugma ang local ordinances at guidelines kaugnay ng penalties at multa (This is also the right time to intensify motorists’ education and ensure that the fines and penalties of local government units and the national government match),” he added.
Ejercito said authorities can also study and implement “shared lanes” between four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles in certain areas due to the size of the road, while at the same time reconsidering the ban on motorcycles in passing overpasses and underpasses.
“Having said that, I suggest that a reasonable trial period be done before the actual implementation of this program,” he added.
