MMDA to let go of ‘simple’ traffic violations during the holidays

MMDA. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando Artes’ newest directive to help manage the expected heavier traffic in the coming weeks may be an early Christmas gift for some motorists.

“We directed our traffic enforcers not to issue tickets to motorists committing simple violations. Because we all know that if you stop a vehicle, there will be discussions between the motorist and our enforcer. It will take some time and it will surely cause a traffic bottleneck,” he said at a press conference on Friday at the agency’s headquarters in Pasig City.

“Our instruction to our traffic enforcers this coming Christmas is to prioritize traffic management. Thus, apprehension of simple moving violations, which may cause traffic congestion shall be avoided,” Artes added.

READ: MMDA sees 6.7% traffic jump on Edsa ahead of holidays

It would be implemented only during the morning and evening rush hours from Nov. 13 to Jan. 8.

He did not give a list of violations, which could be classified under light offenses. Instead, Artes clarified that its implementation would be on a “case-to-case basis” and would depend on the apprehending traffic enforcer.

Among those violations that could be let go was swerving, which is not a traffic violation in itself but could constitute an offense of reckless driving or disregarding traffic signs.

“If it’s simple like the motorist abruptly changed lanes and it did not result in hitting or colliding with another vehicle, or it’s not a dangerous maneuver, then we can just let it slide,” Artes said.

“Our instruction to traffic enforcers is just to let the motorist know his violation, that there’s no need for them to stop for a while and issue a ticket,” he added.