Should NCAP be suspended, reviewed? [Poll of the Week]

The No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) has been one of the trending topics lately. Motorists and other transport groups have already voiced their concerns about the implementation of the NCAP, prompting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to step into the issue.

Motorists and transport groups voiced their concerns about the no contact apprehension policy (NCAP) 

NCAP uses closed-circuit television (CCTV) or digital cameras to capture videos and images of erring motorists who disregard traffic rules and regulations. You may think of it as a virtual apprehension where a motorist will be apprehended if he/she violated traffic laws. 

The NCAP seems to be an effective way of enforcing traffic rules and regulations as motorists are technically under constant surveillance. It also has the potential to instill discipline among road users since they know that someone is always watching their every move. Aside from being under the watchful eyes of digital cameras, the NCAP can also provide authorities with a more convenient way of apprehending traffic violators.

While it sounds promising, the NCAP has been receiving backlash from motorists and transport groups. One of the concerns raised in regards to the NCAP is the absence of countdown timers from traffic lights. Motorists noted that countdown timers from traffic lights have been switched off when the NCAP is officially enforced.

The MMDA is phasing out traffic lights with a countdown timer

Motorists argue that countdown timers can help them make a more decisive decision about whether it is still safe to cross an intersection. The absence of it could lead to confusion, which can eventually result in virtual apprehension. 

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) previously said that it is already phasing out countdown timers from traffic lights. The agency plans to switch to an adaptive signaling system that changes traffic lights based on vehicle volume. 

Aside from traffic lights, another issue raised by motorists is the confusing road markings, and lack of road signs. Road markings and road signs play a huge role in making sure that traffic flow is good and safe for all road users. 

Some motorists are calling for better and clearer road markings

The lack of it would obviously lead to confusion and would result in a misguided motorist. This is crucial especially for motorists or road users who do not often drive through a certain city. Markings and signs will help them navigate the road safer and would allow them to adhere to traffic laws.

On the other hand, transport groups have also voiced their concerns about the NCAP. They are contesting that the registered owners of public and private vehicles are the ones who are asked to pay for the penalties. Four transport groups filed a petition with the Supreme Court in regards to the call to suspend the implementation of the NCAP. The group cited the policy as “unconstitutional”.   

The LTO has previously called for the suspension of the NCAP. LTO Chief Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III is calling on all local government units (LGUs) that already have NCAP in place to stop and review the policy first. The LTO wants to set clear-cut NCAP guidelines for it to “effectively work for the benefit of the motoring public.” 

The MMDA said that it is willing to coordinate and work with other concerned government branches and LGUs to review as well as improve the NCAP.  

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Representative Robert "Ace" Barbers shared that NCAP could lead to corruption, and “could be violating the Constitution since there is no due process of law.”

With all the issues surrounding the NCAP, do you think that it should be suspended and reviewed first by the concerned government agencies and LGUs? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.