Handwriting woes prompt MMDA to suspend new ticketing scheme

Traffic enforcers will undergo a "handwriting screening process" in the next two weeks as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando suspended the implementation of the new Metropolitan Traffic Ticket (MTT) system.

"Our enforcers will undergo a screening process in the next two weeks," Traffic Operations Center (TOC) executive director, Angelito Vergel de Dios, said in a phone interview.

Vergel de Dios said Fernando decided to suspend the implementation of the MTT to iron out the kinks in the system, one of these is the possible problem with the handwritings of the enforcers.

Vergel de Dios admitted that the MMDA overlooked the fact that the new system’s monitoring machines might not be able to read some of the handwritings of the traffic enforcers.

The monitoring machines will be used by MMDA and branches of Metrobank nationwide.

"The entries should be clearly written so the machine can read them," Vergel de Dios said.

Vergel de Dios earlier announced that the MTT will take effect on July 15.

But confusion arose after Fernando said in a radio interview on Thursday that the new ticketing system will start next week.

Vergel de Dios said yesterday that July 15 was the deadline Fernando gave the TOC to "set in motion the implementation of the MTT."

Vergel de Dios said the MTT would most likely be fully implemented in the next two weeks.

Under the MTT, the driver’s license of a traffic violator will no longer be confiscated and violators can pay their fines at any Metrobank branch nationwide.