LTO, MMDA want standardized penalties for NCR traffic violations

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are pushing for the implementation of a single ticketing system or STS. This will serve to standardize traffic violations and their corresponding penalties for motorists in the National Capital Region. 

The MMDA and LTO met with other members of the Technical Working Group to discuss the proposed Single Ticketing System [Image: MMDA FB page]

This proposal was raised during the third meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) Tuesday. Among those in attendance were officials of the MMDA and LTO, along with representatives of the different local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila. 

The discussions centered on implementing the Metro Manila STS that defines traffic violations and the penalties for each. According to the LTO, the STS would create unified and clear guidelines on violations such as:  

• Disregarding traffic signs
• Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
• Reckless driving
• Driving without license 
• Driving unregistered vehicle 
• Overspeeding
• Illegal counterflow
• Obstruction
• Number coding violations

“Inilatag din sa pulong ang mahigpit na pagpapairal ng tricycle ban lalo na sa national highway at kaukulang speed limit ng mga ito, gayundin ang truck ban at light truck ban,” the LTO said in a statement. 

(Also tackled during the meeting are the strict enforcement of the tricycle ban on national highways and their speed limits, as well as the ban on trucks and light trucks.) 

Guidelines are reportedly being drawn up regarding the interconnectivity between the MMDA, LGUs, and other relevant government agencies involved in traffic enforcement with the Land Transportation Management System for tagging of alarms and recording demerit points for erring drivers. 

Other concerns discussed were matters relating to due process of apprehended motorists and data privacy issues.

MMDA Acting Chair Atty. Romando Artes says the STS will help modernize road transport in the country [Image: MMDA FB page]   

For its part, the MMDA wants to include violations such as failure to wear helmets for motorcycle riders, as well as the use of substandard helmets. According to MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, almost all Metro Manila mayors have expressed approval of the proposal in principle.  

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade gave assurances that public consultations will be held once the STS guidelines have been completed. “Lahat po ng stakeholder ay ikokonsulta at ikokonsidera po lahat ng mga rekomendasyon, agam-agam at kung ano pa man para po ma-implement natin nang maayos itong programa natin,” he said. 

(All stakeholders will be consulted and their recommendations, concerns, and everything else will be considered for the proper implementation of our program.) 

Tugade appealed for the public’s support for the STS, adding that it will help in modernizing the country’s road transport system.     

Catch more mobility-related updates at Philkotse.com.