MMDA eyes NCAP near schools

MANILA, Philippines —  Drivers transporting students to schools near major roads may be included in the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The MMDA expressed concern over traffic congestion near schools in Ortigas, such as De La Salle Greenhills and St. Pedro Poveda College.

“We have observed traffic buildup near schools due to the volume of vehicles dropping off and picking up students, occupying two or three lanes,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes told school representatives yesterday.

The MMDA has started installing CCTVs on intersections near private schools to catch traffic violators, according to Artes.

Traffic enforcers were being accused of extortion by motorists who wanted to park anywhere at their discretion, Artes said.

Meanwhile, the MMDA is planning to employ artificial intelligence in its traffic signaling system.

Eyed for implementation next year, Artes said the proposed mechanism would involve AI-powered “video detectors” on traffic lights to “capture additional information about vehicles, such as speed, direction and license plate numbers.”

Last week, the MMDA removed timers in traffic lights and used sensors as part of the adaptive signaling system.