NCAP files complaint against CTTMO
Revamped Article:
Davao City's local administration is eyeing the implementation of the "No Contact Apprehension Policy" (NCAP) with the aid of prototype traffic cameras on the C.P Garcia Highway (Diversion Road). Dionisio Abude, head of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), stated that the Traffic Code of Davao City provides provisions for no-physical contact apprehension.
According to Section 159 of the Traffic Code (City Ordinance 0334-12 series of 2012), the CTTMO has been granted the authority to install security cameras at critical locations and highways throughout Davao City to identify traffic violators.
During an appearance on the Kapehan sa Kadangpan online forum, Abude mentioned that a technology company has installed smart cameras on Diversion Road as a proof-of-concept for the NCAP system. WHP Prime Master Holdings, the IT firm behind the cameras, installed three checkpoint cameras within the Smart Traffic Enforcement System to assess the system's "viability."
These cameras are designed to detect speeding, seatbelt violations, distracted driving, and cellphone usage. However, there are issues reported by Abude regarding the cameras' electrical connections. "There's an issue with the power connection. The contractor allegedly failed to comply with the requirements set by Davao Light," said Abude.
If the cameras start functioning properly, drivers detected by them can be summoned directly to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to address the violations. During a traffic chief's statement, it was suggested that there should be a connection between the LTO to identify vehicles' license plates and aid in identifying those caught by the cameras.
Alternatively, those caught by the cameras could have their information sent to the LTO, where they would receive alerts when their vehicles are due for renewal of registration.
Abude expressed that implementing NCAP through smart cameras would greatly assist the city in monitoring areas that traffic enforcers may not be able to cover. "We cannot rely on enforcers to monitor the entire area, so we need gadgets to maintain discipline among drivers," commented Abude.
In Metro Manila, the NCAP implemented a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court in 2022, but it was lifted on May 20, resulting in a notable decrease in traffic congestion when the policy was reinstated[2]. The Land Transportation Office has also shown support for the reimplementation of NCAP in Metro Manila, where it is anticipated to improve traffic discipline and reduce accidents[3][5].
[1] CDD Philippines - Davao City Traffic Rules – The Government of Davao City - https://www.cddph.org/davao-city-traffic-rules/[2] Rappler - Supreme Court temporarily lifts TRO on NCAP — (SC) - https://www.rappler.com/nation/641391-justice-sereno-supreme-court-tacteless-inaction-tro-no-contact-apprehension-policy[3] Manila Bulletin - 'No contact apprehension policy' returns to Metro Manila - https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/19/no-contact-apprehension-policy-returns-to-metro-manila/[4] BusinessWorld - 'No contract apprehension policy' faces legal issues - https://www.bworldonline.com/no-contact-apprehension-policy-faces-legal-issues/[5] PhilStar Global - MMDA ready to support reimplemenation of no-contact apprehension policy - https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/03/25/2157414/mmdar-ready-support-reimplementation-no-contact-apprehension-policy
- The technology company responsible for installing smart cameras on Diversion Road in Davao City, WHP Prime Master Holdings, is considering expanding their solution to Manila, given the successful implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) in the metro.
- As Manila sees improvements in traffic discipline and a reduction in accidents with the reinstated NCAP, Davao City authorities are seeking to learn from the metro's experience and apply technology to enhance traffic management, including potentially adopting a similar business model for their traffic camera systems.
