LTO to use MMDA cameras in running after erring motorists

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be using the cameras of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in running after erring motorists in the National Capital Region (NCR).

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agreement they have with the MMDA is that all the video footages of traffic violations recorded in the latter’s cameras will be used in issuing Show-cause Order (SCO) against the registered owners of the motor vehicles that committed traffic violations.

LTO’S use of MMDA cameras appear to be similar to the implementation of the Non-contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) which is currently the subject of a petition before the Supreme Court over constitutional issues.

But unlike the NCAP wherein violation tickets are immediately sent or charged to the registered owners of the motor vehicles that committed traffic violations, Mendoza said due process will still be observed via the issuance of an SCO.

The SCO is a document being sent by the LTO to owners of motor vehicles that committed traffic violations, which is part of the due process before any action is done such as cancellation of driver’s license and motor vehicle registration.

“The cameras installed by the MMDA are being used to monitor traffic situations, especially in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. We might as well use them in order to run after erring motorists who would openly defy traffic safety rules,” said

Mendoza.

LTO and MMDA officials met early this week to discuss the proposal of the former using the latter’s camera system installed in various parts of Metro Manila, particularly along EDSA and other major thoroughfares.

In the meeting, MMDA officials agreed to the proposal.

Based on the agreement, the MMDA will forward the captured videos of violations, including details on the date and the time of the violation, and the license plate of the vehicle involved in any traffic violation.

“Initially, we will be focusing on the violators of the EDSA Busway,” said Mendoza.

“These captured videos that will be transmitted to our office will be used as the basis of SCO that would be issued to erring motorists,” he added.

The NCAP was implemented by the MMDA and several local government units in Metro Manila in a bid to discipline motorists.

Transport groups immediately brought the issue to the Supreme Court over questions of violations of privacy and due process.