Beware, non-contact apprehension is back

NCAP, or the No-Contact Apprehension Policy, is back.

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Following the Supreme Court's decision to lift the temporary restraining order on its implementation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will start reimposing NCAP on Monday, May 26. It covers EDSA, C-5 Road, Commonwealth Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and other thoroughfares where MMDA has jurisdiction. This policy utilizes closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other digital technologies to capture traffic violations without direct interaction between motorists and enforcers.

While NCAP aims to enhance road safety and discipline, its implementation presents both advantages and challenges that warrant careful consideration.

One of the primary benefits of NCAP is its potential to instill discipline among drivers. With the knowledge that violations can be recorded and penalized without enforcers in sight, motorists may be more inclined to adhere to traffic laws. Data indicates that, prior to its suspension, NCAP contributed to a decrease in traffic violations and accidents in areas where it was implemented.