![[FILE] An MMDA traffic enforcer is seen in Pasig City, June 24, 2016.](https://businessmirror.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MMDA-traffic-enforcer.jpg)
The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Wednesday approved Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 23-02, implementing the single ticketing system (STS) that “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”
After 28 years, the STS is finally coming into reality after the Metro Manila mayors approved its implementation during the MMC meeting at the MMDA’s new office in Pasig City, the MMDA said.
The local chief executives of Metro Manila have adopted the STS through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code (MMTC) of 2023, which provides for a system of interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties.
The standardized fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and local councils for adoption.
MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said that the single ticketing system would give apprehended motorists convenience as they can now pay for their traffic-related violations regardless of the city where they may have been apprehended.
“This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than 20 years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single-ticketing system that will highly benefit our motorists,” he said.
Its approval and adoption will also help address different procedures of apprehension; payment of fines; redemption of licenses and plates; as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws resulting in confusion of the driving public, loss of money and productive hours.
“The single ticketing system would help avoid confusion among our driving public, as well as option to pay electronically for their violations. Driver’s license will also not be confiscated during apprehension,” he added.
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora expressed his gratefulness to the whole council for passing the historic resolution. He also said that the single ticketing system would be in effect within the first quarter of 2023.
“The Metro Manila LGUs [local government units] will have to pass their respective ordinances adapting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system,” he said.
The MMTC of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, listed the most common traffic violation and penalties, which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila LGUs, as follows:
- Disregarding traffic signs
- Illegal parking (attended and unattended); number coding UVVRP-truck ban; light truck ban; reckless driving-unregistered motor vehicle;
- driving without license; tricycle ban
- obstruction; dress code for motorcycle; overloading; defective motorcycle accessories; unauthorized modification; arrogance/discourteous conduct (driver); loading and unloading in prohibited zones; illegal counterflow;overspeeding
- Special laws: Seat Belts Use Act of 1999; Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act; Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act; Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act; Anti-Distracted Driving Act; Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.
The Code also has provision for the interconnectivity requirements with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).
During the meeting, it was also agreed upon that the MMDA would provide the funds for the purchase of the hardware and IT requirements needed for seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGUs integration with the LTMS.
The LGUs will likewise enact ordinances that will adapt standardized fines on the identified common traffic violations and separate ordinance for traffic-related offenses not stated in the traffic code.
The final draft of the MMTC was agreed upon by the officials of MMDA and LTO, as well as Metro Manila local traffic enforcement heads, last January 19.
Image credits: Junpinzon | Dreamstime.com
