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1,200 MMDA traffic enforcers deployed to QC 'killer highway'


To pursue traffic violators, some 1,200 Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcers were deployed at dawn on Monday to the eastbound side of the so-called "killer highway" Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported that the MMDA personnel were equipped with vans and motorcycles to help them pursue traffic violators. A-60 kilometer per hour (kph) speed limit is being implemented along Commonwealth Avenue. Tolentino said traffic aides to not yet seize the licenses of the drivers, at least if they do not make the same violations within the same day. Macapagal Boulevard The MMDA is also implementing a 60-kph speed limit along Macapagal Boulevard in southern Metro Manila but the agency said there are not enough traffic enforcers to cover the area. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said many of the traffic aides in the area are covered by the civil service rule and can work no more than eight hours a day, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported Monday. He said these aides cannot cope with the demands of work in the area, which includes a work shift of up to 15 hours a day. Tolentino said the MMDA is laboring under a 52-percent budget cut and is trying to maximize its resources. Tagging scheme Meanwhile, Tolentino said the MMDA will also be strictly enforcing the tagging scheme for buses in Metro Manila. The license plate numbers of the buses must be painted on the roofs of the buses and the size of the characters should be 900 millimeters (mm) by 1,200 mm. "Ang out of line consider namin colorum...kahit may franchise ka pumasok ka sa linya na di mo dapat takbuhan kino-consider namin colorum," Tolentino added. Under the tagging scheme, first-time violators will be fined P500. On the second offense, the MMDA will recommend the cancellation or suspension of franchise to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. The MMDA had started implementing the tagging scheme last week but only gave violators a reminder. “On the first week, we will only give warning to the city bus drivers and conductors but after that, we will be very strict with the enforcement of this resolution. Any city bus caught violating the scheme shall be meted appropriate sanctions," Tolentino said in an earlier news release. Other PUVs By October, the MMDA plans to expand the tagging program to include other PUVs such as:

  • provincial buses
  • Asian utility vehicles
  • school shuttle service
  • taxis
  • cargo trucks. The vehicle-tagging scheme aims to track down colorum and out-of-line PUVs and improve the traffic monitoring of the MMDA. It also aims to facilitate easy tracking and identification of traffic violators as the license plate numbers of the PUVs will be painted prominently on the roofs. This will allow the MMDA’s closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras to capture images and identify violators. The vehicle tagging is expected to enhance public safety and security as law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) can monitor and track down marked PUVs during emergency situations. - VVP, GMA News
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