The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General in the filing of a motion before the Supreme Court to consider lifting the temporary restraining order on the implementation of the Non-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). In doing so, MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said they will use the data they obtained in the past months showing an increase in the number of road accidents and traffic violations after the NCAP was suspended in August last year. “We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” said Artes. He cited the case of the June 14 road accident on the EDSA Carousel Bus Lane involving a motorcycle, a Sports Utility Vehicle and tanker which led to the death of a motorcycle rider. During the investigation, Artes said it was found out that both the motorcycle rider and the SUV were traversing the EDSA Bus Carousel Lane which is supposed to be exclusive for passenger buses, with the exception of ambulances and other law enforcement agency cars conducting operations. “We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” he said. In pushing for the lifting of the NCAP, Artes cited MMDA data showing an increase in accidents in the last quarter of last year, coinciding with the imposition of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy. The monitored traffic violations since the suspension of NCAP have also increased. In May of this year alone, 32,739 traffic violations were recorded. “These traffic violations cause road accidents and slow down vehicular traffic,” said Artes. The NCAP implementation was suspended after some groups questioned its legality. Meanwhile, Artes said the MMDA will also forward the CCTV footage and other evidence that might help the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the conduct of the investigation. He also appealed to other motorists who witnessed the incident to come out, report to the authorities, and bring justice to the victim. “We encourage the driver of the white SUV and driver of the tanker to cooperate with PNP to shed light on the incident,” said Artes.