MMDA considers using body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it gathered stakeholders to talk about the use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers.

Body-worn cameras are being considered for traffic enforcers

MMDA executives drafted a proposal indicating that using this technology can help curb corruption as it may prevent traffic enforcers from accepting bribes. However, factors such as privacy concerns are some of the matters discussed at the stakeholder meeting.

According to the government agency, various transport groups and stakeholders express their supporting comments for the campaign. The comments will then be consolidated and presented to the Metro Manila Council (MMC).mmc

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes

The MMDA plans to distribute 120 body cameras to enforcers who are authorized to issue citation tickets to traffic violators. The cameras are said to be the same ones used in the United Kingdom, which have a battery life of six to eight hours.

"The use of body-worn cameras will prevent traffic enforcers from taking bribes and motorists offering bribes since the Metrobase will record the apprehension process. The footage may serve as evidence," said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes.

Motorists who will be apprehended should be aware that the Single Ticketing System is being implemented by the agency in the National Capital Region (NCR). It aims to establish standardized penalties in the region, which is another measure that helps curb corruption in traffic enforcement. One of the heftiest fines is the violation of the no motorcycle helmet policy, carrying as much as a Php 10,000 fine.

The agency will initially distribute a little over 100 cameras

Another initiative to improve transparency within the agency is the use of handheld devices. This device is capable of issuing citation tickets for traffic offenses and it automatically generates an electronic temporary operator's permit (E-TOP) in lieu of physical tickets. No traffic enforcers can edit and negotiate about the infraction of the traffic violator.

All these initiatives should make traffic enforcement more competent than ever. But for now, Artes has yet to fully implement the body-worn camera campaign. He said, "We want to hear the comments and suggestions of the stakeholders before its full implementation."

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