MMDA: Higher fines a deterrent to traffic offenses

MANILA, Philippines — Higher fines will prevent motorists to violate traffic rules, according to a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) official.

“Perhaps it is about time to raise the penalties on traffic violations to serve as a deterrent, to scare drivers who recklessly violate traffic rules,” said lawyer Victor Maria Nuñez, director III for enforcement of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office.

In an interview over radio station dzBB last Friday, Nuñez cited the hike in fines against motorists who illegally use the exclusive EDSA Bus Carousel lane.

The agency caught “fewer” erring drivers since the penalty was raised to a range from P5,000 to P30,000 and possible cancellation of driver’s license depending on the frequency, from the previous P1,000 for every offense.

The increase was approved by the Metro Manila Council a year ago.

“On the first month since we raised the fine to P5,000, we still caught a lot of violators, but when we started charging them P5,000 each, that was the time they finally learned and got afraid of entering (the EDSA Bus Carousel), even motorcycles,” Nuñez said.

He pointed out that raising the penalty is an effective measure to deter more traffic violators, as what is being enforced in other countries.

He added that critics of the said measure should not accuse the government of coming up with “fundraising” every time agencies decide to increase fines.

In April, President Marcos ordered the MMDA and local government units in Metro Manila to stop charging P2,500 fines from drivers of electric bicycles, electric tricycles and other light vehicles unlawfully using major roads in Metro Manila, saying the fine was “huge.”

In the same month, the MMDA also deferred the measure to increase penalties on illegal parking. From the P1,000 fine for attended illegal parking and P2,000 for unattended illegal parking, the penalty for both offenses was supposedly set to P4,000.