The anger of many motorists who received notice of violations through the “no contact traffic apprehension” is spreading like wildfire in the metro.
The No Contact Traffic Apprehension is a policy not only of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that “utilizes CCTV, digital cameras and/or other gadgets or technology to capture videos and images to apprehend vehicles violating traffic laws, rules and regulations” but also of some local government in Metro Manila.
So far, they are now having heydays in collecting fines from those violators in the cities of Manila and Quezon and there are reports that some other cities in Metro Manila will have its “no contact apprehension” scheme following suit. These fines are being branded as excessive and disproportionate to the violations committed.
Many violators who have gone viral in social media have shown the numerous violations shown to them together with the hefty sum of fine they have to pay. Have you seen that motorcycle delivery guy who has shown several violation notices that amounted to several thousands of pesos? Tsk..tsk..tsk..
Many of those who have already queued for the renewal of their vehicles were dismayed when they found out that they have committed a violation without knowing it (since they have not received any notice yet). But they need to pay the fine/s first before they can register their cars. What if one doesn’t have enough money to pay? That would surely affect the registration process and may result to another fine for delayed registration.
We have reports that there are groups that are now ready to file a case in court against the validity of the implementation of this “no-contact apprehension” policy. They say that it is too much and is an added burden to the everyday pains and sacrifices of the motorists plying the traffic- and potholes-laden roads of Metro Manila.