MMDA bats for new traffic code

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is pushing for the passage by Congress of the new traffic code which provides stiffer penalties for traffic violations.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando pointed out that the provisions of the traffic code would serve as a deterrent for breaking the traffic laws.

In particular, the traffic code provides for the stiffer penalty of imprisonment for violations such as driving without license, suspended license and fake licenses.

"This would upgrade the integrity of the licensing systems as a means to effectively discipline drivers and vehicle owners," Fernando said.

The law also facilitates the disposition of confiscated, impounded and unclaimed vehicles in order to save on storage cost and space.

In relation to this, the code also provides for the confiscation and destruction of vehicles apprehended for repeated violations.

Specifically, smoke belching and dilapidated vehicles caught on several occasions along with colorum vehicles would be destroyed.

Fernando lauded this provision because it provides a strong warning for motorists to take care of their vehicles and to abide by traffic laws.

In order to facilitate the prosecution and processing of the traffic violations, the Code proposes for the establishment of a special Traffic Court.

The Traffic Court will focus entirely on traffic-related cases thus effectively reducing the load of the local trial courts and speeding up the process.

Fernando has also asked for the President’s support for the exploration of new possible access routes through government-owned properties.

The concept of using government-owned properties as access routes has already provided immediate results particularly in the case of the President Diosdado Macapagal Avenue which goes through the land of the Philippine Estates Authority.

The opening of the road which runs parallel to Roxas Boulevard has allowed southbound motorists to avoid the perennially congested Redemptorist Road across the Baclaran Church.

New bridges would also be built over the creeks and river while the lost roads and bridges would be revived.

In line with this the MMDA is also pushing for the opening of closed subdivision roads to the public.

Fernando explained that the measures would provide motorists in Metro Manila access to more roads and consequently relieve traffic congestion.

Out of the total road length of 4,901.7 kilometers in the entire metropolis, only 3,051.7 consists of public roads. – Marvin Sy