Hearing-impaired recruits give MMDA sharper eyes

Through the help of 11 hearing-impaired persons, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was able to record in just a week a 400-percent increase in the number of erring motorists caught on camera under the agency’s no-contact apprehension policy.

MMDA officer in charge and general manager Tim Orbos reported that since the sharp-eyed staff members started working for the agency Wednesday last week, the average number of motorists apprehended daily rose from 70 to 280.

The newly hired personnel, who monitor closed-circuit television cameras at the MMDA Metrobase, are all graduates of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

Keen observers

Prior to their hiring, Orbos said, Metrobase watchers would catch mostly drivers of public utility vehicles violating the closed-door policy (for buses) and loading or unloading passengers outside designated zones.

But because of the hearing-impaired employees, he noted, they were able to catch more motorists who violate the number coding scheme and who disregard traffic signs on major thoroughfares like Edsa, Roxas Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue. Even motorcycle riders not in proper gear, like those wearing slippers, did not escape the eyes of the observant recruits.

Over 42,000 motorists have been caught under the no-contact apprehension policy since it was introduced in April.

The MMDA sends notices to erring motorists regarding their violation and the corresponding penalty. Motorists who fail to pay the fine will be included in the Land Transportation Office’s alarm list and their vehicle registration will not be renewed until  the obligations are settled.

Given the efficiency of the hearing-impaired individuals, Orbos said the MMDA might consider hiring more of them next year.