Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 1) — The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Wednesday approved the implementation of a single ticketing system for traffic violations committed in the capital region.
MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the system will now allow payment of fines via digital platforms and licenses will no longer be confiscated.
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“Less violators on the ground means less traffic also because oftentimes once someone’s apprehended, it actually disrupts the traffic. So what we are trying to do here is instill discipline in people,” Zamora told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word.
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“Once we are able to implement the system, people will not be confused anymore with regard to how much they will have to pay,” he added.
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The system’s approval also means there is now a standard penalty for more than 20 traffic violations, including the violation of special laws, in all parts of Metro Manila:
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– Disregarding traffic signs
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– Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
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– Number coding UVVRP
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– Truck ban
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– Light truck ban
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– Reckless driving
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– Unregistered motor vehicle
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– Driving without license
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– Tricycle ban
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– Obstruction
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– Dress code for motorcycle
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– Overloading
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– Defective motorcycle accessories
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– Unauthorized modification
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– Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
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– Loading and unloading in prohibited zones
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– Illegal counterflow
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– Overspeeding
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Special laws
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– Seat Belts Use Act of 1999
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– Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act
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– Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act
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– Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act
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– Anti-Distracted Driving Act
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– Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act
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“The single ticketing system would help avoid confusion among our driving public, as well as option to pay electronically for their violations,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chairperson Don Artes in a statement.
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“Driver’s license will also not be confiscated during apprehension,” he added.
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The MMDA will shoulder the funding for the hardware and technology information needed by the local government units in implementing the single ticketing system.
“The main issue really prior to today’s approval was the funding because not all LGUs have completed the needed equipment. So, some will have to procure, some will have to spend and because the MMDA shouldered it, one major issue was cleared immediately,” Zamora said.
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The council will now work on amending existing ordinances to harmonize with the approved Metro Manila traffic code, the mayor added.
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“All the groundwork such as integration with the LTO data, the setting up of the back offices for the IT systems, these are things that we will do in the next few months,” he said.
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According to the MMC, all local government units must issue ordinances on or before March 15. The implementation is expected to start in April.
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