TO BETTER enforce exclusive bus lane regulations along EDSA, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is gearing up for the implementation of a “no-contact apprehension” system with the help of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) next week.
In an interview with Cignal TV’s OneNewsPH on Tuesday, LTO Chief Vigor D. Mendoza, II, said the LTO is set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the MMDA for initial implementation of the technology-assisted approach to apprehending traffic violators and training MMDA traffic enforcers.
“The program, utilizing advanced technologies, will enable law enforcement without physical presence, beginning next week,” said Mr. Mendoza.
He noted that the implementation of the program would initially cover bus lanes on EDSA, but that there are plans to extend its enforcement to tollways.
Addressing legal concerns in implementing the no-contact apprehension scheme, Mr. Mendoza said: “We’re now coming up with a program that will not at all be in conflict with the Supreme Court case.”
In August, 2022, the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), which suspended the MMDA’s no-contact apprehension policy based on petitions by the local governments of Manila, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Quezon Cities.
“The critical areas will be discussed with the LGUs on how this will be implemented. But we’ll start it slow so that we can review the technology and make it more relevant to us,” the LTO chief assured.
Shifting focus, Mr. Mendoza announced the forthcoming release of operational guidelines for electric vehicles (EVs) for the early part of next year.
Citing concerns about minors operating EVs on major roads, Mr. Mendoza mentioned an inter-agency effort involving the LTO and the Departments of Transportation (DoTr) and of Energy (DoE) to address the influx of EVs on roads.
“There is now an inter-agency effort; rules for electric vehicles will change,” he said. — Nate C. Barretto