1 driver violated busway rule 309 times–MMDA
A single motorist managed to rack up the same traffic violation by driving “309 times” on the lane on Edsa that is reserved for passenger buses, all in a span of 10 months.
The total suggested that the driver committed more than one infraction on certain days. And in the three weeks since the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) was reimposed starting May 26, the motorist drove on the Edsa Busway nine times, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes.
Reason for NCAP
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Artes said the driver as one of reasons the NCAP should continue.
A coalition of transport groups has expressed opposition to the traffic policy after the Supreme Court on May 20 lifted the temporary restraining order that froze its implementation in 2022.
“That’s the reason why we need to instill discipline, so that even when there are no enforcers in sight, motorists still follow traffic rules. They need to know they can’t get away with their violations because these are monitored by our CCTV cameras,” Artes said.
The MMDA said the motorist had been driving on the busway “from August last year to just last Friday (June 13).”
Late-night habit
“It all happened at night,” Artes said, adding that the driver probably thought there were no traffic enforcers or monitors keeping a close watch that late.
Artes withheld the male driver’s identity and the plate number of his car, but said he was a resident of San Mateo, Rizal.
The MMDA imposes fines ranging from P5,000 to P30,000 based on the frequency of offenses. The driver’s license is also suspended or ultimately canceled. —WITH A REPORT FROM INQUIRER RESEARCH
