... with digital cameras, of course. Read about it yesterday in the Philippine Star

Bus firms back MMDA’s ‘no-contact’
By Marvin Sy

Public utility bus operators yesterday expressed support for the "no-contact" policy of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as a means to eradicate corruption among the traffic enforcers.

In their meeting with MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando yesterday, bus operators, led by Integrated Metro Manila Bus Operators Association president Claire de la Fuente, agreed that the new policy would be beneficial to their group because they would no longer be victims of extortion.

At the same time, De la Fuente admitted that a number of their drivers need to be disciplined for bad driving habits. She said the new MMDA policy will help bring this to fruition.

Under the no-contact policy of the MMDA, traffic enforcers will be issued digital cameras to take pictures of violators, particularly the PUBs.

The buses are now required to paint their license plate numbers on the sides as well as on the roof of their vehicles so they are visible to traffic enforcers.

Around 100 traffic enforcers, situated at strategic areas in the metropolis, will be issued cameras.

Fernando identified several traffic problem areas, namely Commonwealth Avenue, Litex, Tandang Sora, Megamall and North Avenue on EDSA.

The MMDA will be monitoring illegal loading and unloading as well as swerving of the PUBs on major thoroughfares.

Fernando said the camera-yielding enforcers will be positioned at areas where they cannot be seen by motorists, but at the same time have a good view of all vehicles.

"The problem is that motorists do not respect our traffic enforcers. With the no-contact apprehensions, there will no longer be any long conversations between enforcers and the drivers," Fernando said.

He noted that pictures taken by the traffic enforcers will be used as "undeniable evidence" against erring drivers.

After the pictures are taken, two copies will be printed, one of which will be sent to the violator together with the citation ticket. The violator will then be summoned to appear at the MMDA office.

Private vehicles will also be covered by the new policy as the cameras could also be used to take pictures of illegally parked vehicles.

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Baka pwede pa mag-sideline yung mga MMDA as wedding photographers pag natuloy 'to )