New traffic ticketing system implemented today

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to start implementing today the Metropolitan Traffic Ticket (MTT), which will require traffic violators to pay penalties for traffic violations through Metrobank branches in the country.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said motorists need not have direct contact with their traffic enforcers in contrast with the old scheme where traffic violation receipts (TVR) are issued to drivers. To avoid the hassle of reclaiming licenses, drivers would often resort to bribing traffic enforcers.

With the MTT, violators would have to pay the fine at any of the 583 branches of Metrobank nationwide. But drivers with pending TVRs would still have to pay their fine at the redemption centers.

The MTT is part of the agency’s Metro Road Rules Enforcement System (MRRES).

Fernando stressed that the MMDA has not been remiss in enforcing disciplie within its ranks and had in fact dismissed close to 200 enforcers for different offenses.

He is encouraging motorists to go to their office to file complaints against corrupt personnel.

Under the MTT, trafic enforcers, armed with digital and moving cameras, would take pictures of violators’ plate numbers and trace the vehicle’s owner and address. MMDA would send them summons that would require them to pay corresponding fines within seven days.

"If after seven days, they fail to pay the fine, their penalty would be doubled. If they continue to ignore the summons, caught again for the second offense, their fine would triple," Fernando said, adding that erring drivers would also not be able to renew their licenses as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be notified of the violations.

Earning an average of P320 to P375 per day, traffic enforcers could earn as much as P10,000 a month in additional incentives, depending on the number of drivers they can catch violating traffic regulations.