Historic, so they say

The Metro Manila Council has approved the "Single Ticketing System" for traffic violators. This is a standardized system of fines and penalties for twenty of the more common traffic violations. Licenses will not be confiscated, so they say, and fines can be paid online. Local governments have until March 15 to pass an ordinance regarding this new system. It is said to be historic because after two decades the single ticketing system will be implemented. I don't know but couldn't it have been done sooner? That would have been epic.

Twenty types of violations are covered by the new system. I saw the list and it looks like all traffic violations are included. But the question is can they all be implemented at all times, in all places? That list includes counterflowing, illegal parking, tricycle ban, loading/unloading in prohibited zones, and defective motorcycle accessories apart from common violations such as disregarding traffic signs, driving without a license, and violating the number coding system.

In that list, I would like to highlight defective motorcycle accessories. That should include loud or open mufflers and the use of LED lights that are usually aimed at oncoming vehicles. There are those who have no consideration for how loud their muffler is. Attention seekers who think their motorcycles are stupid fast. Public roads are not racetracks. There is an existing ordinance regarding noise pollution, but the police or traffic enforcers are not enforcing it. Some areas such as Bonifacio Global City are strictly enforcing a no-open muffler policy. And really, are motorcycles allowed in the bike lane or not? Please clarify. If not, then violators must be apprehended, period. I’ve seen so many violators who are even arrogant when called out.

Apart from the return of entitled vehicles with wang-wangs, sirens, and bodyguards, another scourge on the streets is the extremely bright LED headlights on both motorcycles and cars. Motorcycles in particular seem to have their lights aimed at oncoming vehicles or leave their headlights on high beams. The extreme glare from these lights causes drivers to squint or even look away which is dangerous. They may lose sight temporarily but enough to cause an accident. A pedestrian may be crossing. Cars are also guilty of this, but most do have their headlights aimed at the road on low beams. The LTO or MMDA should look into this before a major accident is blamed on these glaring lights.

Honestly, if the MMDA or PNP really enforces all the listed violations, I think the traffic will be substantially reduced due to the number of violators pulled over. Kidding aside, to be truly historic, both the PNP and MMDA should catch all violators at all times, in all places, and not just the usual traps where they make a living. You know what I mean.