By MINKA S. TIANGCO
Around 36 “highly efficient” cameras were placed along Manila roads to catch erring motorists as the city government launched the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) in major thoroughfares.
The cameras have the capability to capture the license plates of vehicles that will be sent to the authorities.
The cameras have been installed in the following roads:
- Taft Avenue – P. Ocampo Street
- Taft Avenue – Quirino Avenue
- Quirino Avenue – San Marcelino Steet
- Quirino Avenue – M.H. Del Pilar Street
- P. Burgos Avenue – M. Orosa Street
- España Boulevard – Lacson Street
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, who led the program launch on Monday, said the NCAP will encourage motorists 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,” he said in a statement, noting that the NCAP can operate round-the-clock.
“Matatakot ang mga walang disiplina sa kalsada kasi wala na silang lusot. Kapag may disiplina, diyan aasenso ang bayan, tandaan niyo ‘yan,” he added.
Domagoso admitted that it was challenging for the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), with over a thousand enforcers, to manage road violators as over half a million vehicles traverse the capital city’s roads every day.
After the NCAP cameras capture the license plate of the erring motorist, their information from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be sent to the MTPB that will then assess the video of the alleged violation.
It will also send a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the vehicle’s registered owner within two weeks after the date of the alleged violation via registered mail.
Disputes on facts stated in notices are heard at the Manila Traffic Adjudication Board that convenes immediately to address possible citizen concerns.
The Manila mayor said 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.