.MANILA, Philippines --- After implementing the single ticketing system for traffic violations, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it also plans to adopt a single ticketing scheme for jaywalkers across the metropolis.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said he would propose the planned scheme to the 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila that comprise the Metro Manila Council, which will hold its meeting on Tuesday.
''We hope to adopt a uniform violation ticket applicable to all local government units for jaywalkers,'' said Tolentino over the agency's radio program.
Tolentino hinted that they will discuss the imposition of higher penalties for undisciplined pedestrians all over the metropolis.
In the existing anti-jaywalking law, Tolentino said violators are only made to pay P150 as ?ne, or render community service.
As a safety campaign during the opening of the school year, the agency will strictly enforce the law on jaywalking, particularly in areas around schools.
Tolentino said they hope to ensure that pedestrian lanes are painted, and that signs to guide pedestrians are in place.
He said additional traffic personnel will be deployed to penalize people who frequently cross the road at unmarked places, as he expressed concern over minors, even accompanied by adults, who get hit by motorists just because they fail to use pedestrian lanes.
Pedestrians who will be caught crossing on prohibited areas along major thoroughfares will be apprehended by MMDA traffic enforcers, and will be issued a ticket for violating the anti-jaywalking law.
Earlier, to deter people from crossing wherever they want to cross, former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando placed ''Bawal Tumawid Dito Nakamamatay'' pedestrian warning signs along major thoroughfares.
His successor, former MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes replaced them with the new version which read ''Bawal Tumawid, May Namatay na Dito'' to warn pedestrians.
Earlier, the MMDA launched the Uniform Ordinance Violation Receipt (UOVR) single ticketing system for traffic violations across the Metro.
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