No-Contact Apprehension Policy Sparks Mixed Reactions in Metro Manila
Photos and videos showing motorists behaving properly on major Metro Manila roads have flooded social media following the start of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy on Monday, May 26. This policy aims to improve road discipline without physical contact during traffic law enforcement.
While many netizens welcomed the change and expressed relief over the newfound order on the roads, some motorcycle riders voiced frustration. They complained about the inconvenience caused by strict enforcement, particularly being stuck in motorcycle lanes and no longer being able to weave through heavy traffic.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) seemed encouraged by these developments. On Tuesday morning, the agency shared footage of disciplined driving along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, reflecting early signs of improvement under the No-Contact Apprehension Policy.
Early Signs of Improved Road Discipline
According to reports from MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office, monitoring on Tuesday, May 27, showed motorists demonstrating better behavior along a portion of Commonwealth Avenue. However, officials cautioned that it is still too soon to declare a permanent change since the policy was only in its second day.
Despite this, data suggests a significant reduction in traffic violations. Comparing figures from Monday, May 26—the policy’s first day—with the previous Monday, May 19, reveals about a 50 percent drop in violations. On the first day of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy, 1,112 violators were recorded, mainly for entering bus lanes, driving inside motorcycle lanes, and illegal loading or unloading.
Meanwhile, prior enforcement efforts had apprehended nearly 3,900 violators on the previous Monday. On Tuesday early morning alone, from midnight to 5 a.m., 141 violators were apprehended.
Expanding the No-Contact Apprehension Policy Across Metro Manila
The No-Contact Apprehension Policy was reinstated after the Supreme Court lifted a temporary restraining order issued in 2022. This order had been based on petitions from transport groups challenging the policy’s legality.
Beyond EDSA, the MMDA plans to apply the policy on other key thoroughfares, including Recto, Mendoza, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, CP Garcia, Katipunan Avenue, Tandang Sora, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, South Superhighway, and Shaw Boulevard. Additional roads such as Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard, Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, Delpan, Marcos Highway, and MacArthur Highway will also see enforcement.
To support this expanded implementation, MMDA personnel are installing more CCTV cameras across Metro Manila, targeting about 1,000 additional units on major roads.
MMDA’s Commitment to Safer Roads
Officials describe the No-Contact Apprehension Policy as a significant step toward instilling discipline among motorists in Metro Manila. By using technology to enforce traffic rules without direct confrontation, the agency hopes to reduce violations and improve road safety.
As the policy takes full effect, authorities continue to monitor its impact closely and encourage motorists to follow traffic regulations for everyone’s benefit.
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