Cameras Are Watching: MMDA Wants to Include Littering, Illegal Parking Under NCAP

(SPOT.ph) The CCTV cameras you pass on the road may not just be watching for traffic violations anymore. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it is looking to expand its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) to cover those who are caught improperly disposing of garbage and illegally parking vehicles in Metro Manila.

MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the MMDA has over 450 CCTV cameras installed around Metro Manila. Under the planned setup, photos of violators will be captured through the cameras, while barangay officials may help identify those caught in photos or on videos.

"Pwede nating magamit ngayon 'yan ang ating mga cameras, hindi lang sa apprehension ng mga sasakyan kundi sa other violations gaya ng garbage and illegal parking," Torre said.

But getting caught on camera will not automatically result in a ticket. Alleged violators will be given a chance to explain. If they fail to respond—or if their explanation is found unsatisfactory—the MMDA will issue a ticket. Those who refuse to pay the fine may face a case.

Full implementation of the policy is expected next week, as guidelines are still being finalized by the MMDA.

Also read: LOOK: This Is How the MMDA Watches Over Metro Manila 24/7

NCAP has not exactly been top of mind lately, especially with more pressing fuel problems like rising prices and supply shortages, but that doesn't mean it's no longer in place. To refresh your memory, NCAP implementation applies to major thoroughfares like EDSA, C5, Katipunan, Marcos Highway, Roxas Boulevard, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, West Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, and Gil Puyat Avenue, among others.

So what happens if you get caught on camera?

Published guides on the MMDA’s single-ticketing system list penalties for illegal parking at P1,000 for attended vehicles and P2,000 for unattended vehicles. For improper garbage disposal, the Metro Manila Council agreed to standardize the penalty across Metro Manila, with a maximum fine of P5,000 for garbage thrown into creeks, roads, and sewers. Notices will be sent through the official eGovPH app.

Something to note: the MMDA has not yet confirmed whether these exact fines will apply once garbage disposal and illegal parking are covered under NCAP. For now, the details are still up in the air.

Also read: How to Check If You Have an NCAP Violation