MANILA, Philippines?From now on, motorists on EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) should be on their best driving behavior seven days a week, 24 hours a day?with or without a traffic enforcer in sight.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando announced on Sunday that the agency has started using its closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras
?placed in strategic areas on the 24-kilometer thoroughfare?to go after drivers who violate traffic rules.

During the radio program ?MMDA sa GMA? on dzBB, Fernando said the move was in line with the agency?s ?no physical contact policy.?

The use of CCTV cameras in apprehending errant drivers was implemented on Wednesday, right after it was approved by the Metro Manila Council, the MMDA?s policy-making body, he added.

The program will be implemented during a trial period of three months.

According to Fernando, violators who are caught on tape would receive a notice from the MMDA containing the following: the time, date and place where the alleged traffic violation was committed, the corresponding fine and a still photo taken from the video.

He said drivers protesting their apprehension may file an appeal within 70 days at the Traffic Adjudication Board which should act on the matter in seven days.

Those who want to pay their fine, however, may go to the nearest Metrobank branch within seven days upon receiving the notice.

On the other hand, drivers who ignore the notice from the MMDA will receive a second one. Should they still fail to pay their fine, their names will be placed on the alarm list of the Land Transportation Office, barring them from renewing their license or the registration of their vehicles.

The MMDA has installed about 51 wireless cameras on EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, C5 Road and other major thoroughfares as part of its Organized Bus Route program.