Unified traffic ticketing system in Metro Manila soon a reality

The implementation of the long-overdue single traffic ticketing system in Metro Manila may begin anytime this week, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino.

Under the policy, all traffic fines and penalties will be consolidated into a single scheme and a unified traffic ticket will be used by all local government units (LGUs) in the metropolis.

Tolentino said Sunday that he had been coordinating with the National Printing Office regarding the printing of the new traffic citation receipts.

“Hopefully by March 1, we can start implementing it,” he said in a radio interview.

After intense legal wrangling among mayors, the MMDA and even transport groups whose members had been complaining about the different traffic policies being implemented by LGUs, the system should streamline the issuance of citation tickets, Tolentino added.

With its effectivity, all local traffic bureaus will now recognize citation tickets issued outside their respective areas, he explained.

But unifying the penalties imposed on traffic violations was another matter altogether, he added. “That would require each of the 17 city councils to amend their traffic codes through ordinances. For now, what’s important is that the unified ticket is recognized in all cities.”