Cops, enforcers team up to manage EDSA traffic

MANILA, Philippines - Motorists should not be alarmed if, after committing a traffic violation on EDSA, a motorcycle-riding police officer issues them a traffic violation receipt, officials said yesterday.

In an arrangement that took effect yesterday, the police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) teamed up with traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to go after erring motorists and help manage traffic on the 23.8-kilometer EDSA.

The arrangement will have 500 enforcers assisted by HPG police officers on motorcycles. 

According to Crisanto Saruca, head of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office, an initial batch of 18 police officers worked in shifts to assist the traffic enforcers yesterday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the police officers, in addition to issuing traffic violation tickets and managing the flow of vehicular traffic, will also shield traffic enforcers from abusive motorists who try to bully them.

The Philippine National Police, under Director General Ricardo Marquez, has finally acceded to the MMDA’s request “to help us manage traffic and put a stop to this lawlessness being committed against our hapless personnel,” he said.

Tolentino said the HPG-MMDA teams will be posted at the following points along EDSA: Balintawak, North EDSA, Trinoma, Quezon Avenue, Monte de Piedad, Aurora Boulevard, Santolan, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Boni Avenue,  Guadalupe, Ayala, Magallanes and Taft Avenue.

Shortly after assuming command of the PNP, Marquez bared his plan to help the MMDA manage the metropolis’ massive traffic problem.

Marquez said traffic congestion is related to crime as criminals take advantage of crowded areas due to traffic congestion.