Traffic violators beware. Manila has just made it harder for erring drivers to get away with traffic violations.
Starting Dec. 7, Manila will be using high definition CCTV cameras and laser tracking technology under the city’s new no-contact apprehension program (NCAP). This digital monitoring system will keep an eye on traffic violations committed along major thoroughfares of the nation’s capital.
Using tech to enforce discipline
Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso launched the program on the intersection of Quirino Avenue and Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila.
This new system will augment the nearly 1,000-strong enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) in managing the streets of Manila. Almost half a million vehicles pass through the city’s roads daily.
With the new program in place, Domagoso warned traffic violators in Manila to “drive safely or risk being caught by the city’s digital traffic eye and pay a huge fine.”
“With NCAP, panatag ako knowing that traffic violators are always caught and identified, especially sa gabi. Most importantly, even during typhoons or other similar situations, these cameras can function on their own. Matatakot ang mga walang disiplina sa kalsada kasi wala na silang lusot. Kapag may disiplina, diyan aasenso ang bayan, tandaan nyo ‘yan, kaya dito sa Maynila titiyakin ko na mangunguna tayo diyan,” the Mayor said.
How it works
Powered by a network of 36 HD CCTV cameras and sensors, the new method works day and night, 24/7, rain or shine. A central command center monitors the entire system.
When a traffic violation is committed, NCAP cameras records the erring motorist’s license plate. The video notes the date, time and location of the violation. This video evidence is then sent to MPTB for processing, using information from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
After assessing the video, the MTPB immediately sends a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the vehicle’s registered owner. Notices are usually sent within two weeks after the date of the alleged violation via registered mail. If the motorist wants to dispute the facts stated in the NOV, he/she may address concerns to the Manila Traffic Adjudication Board (MTAB).
“Manila’s NCAP systems are by far, the most modern traffic rules enforcement system adopted in the Philippines. Using high definition (HD) cameras with their signature laser tracking technologies installed in key locations in the city, NCAP system is a highly-efficient camera network capable of detecting traffic violations,” Domagoso said.
Fines and penalties
Once caught, motorists will be fined P2,000 (first offense), P3,000 (second offense) and P4,000 (third offense) for the following violations:
- disobedience to traffic control signals and signs
- obstruction of pedestrian lanes
- driving on yellow box, over speeding
- non-wearing of helmet for motorcycle riders, and
- disregard to lane markings
Meanwhile, a much heavier fine of P3,000 (first offense), P4,000 (second offense), and P5,000 (third offense) await violators who committed:
- counter-flowing
- reckless driving, and
- non-wearing of seatbelts
Domagoso said that traffic fines will go straight to the city’s treasury in support of civic welfare programs of the city government. Obligations, traffic fines and penalties are to be settled at the MTPB, or may be settled through designated banks or remittance centers.
He also warned traffic violators that they cannot ignore the city’s notices, as non-payment or settlement of traffic violation fines would disallow the violator to renew their vehicles’ registration at the LTO along with additional fines and penalties.
The City of Manila is the latest local government unit to rely on CCTV cameras to enforce a ‘no contact apprehension’ policy. The city governments of Valenzuela and Paranaque each have a similar system in place while the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has re-implemented the policy along EDSA since April 2016.