LTO will use this device to instantly issue traffic violation tickets, can soon start accepting e-payments
Behold the wonders of technology! In line with the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) push towards digitalization, the device you see here is what the agency’s enforcers will use to issue traffic citations to erring motorists instantly. No more illegible handwriting to deal with; if we’re lucky, it can start taking payments immediately, too.
LTO’s new gadget can do more than just issue tickets, AKA electronic Temporary Operator’s Permits (e-TOP)
Photo: LTO
Don’t be surprised if you see the entire lot, if not the majority of the deployed enforcers packing this on their belts starting next week. The LTO announced that, as we just mentioned, they are targeting next week as the start of the use of these POS (point-of-purchase)-looking devices. In fact, an e-TOP operation and utilization refresher course was conducted for enforcers yesterday.
“Next week po ay hindi na mag-i-issue ng manual TOP ang mga enforcer ng LTO. Kaya sa mga motoristang nahuli ng LTO enforcers ay machine-generated TOP na ang inyong matatanggap [LTO enforceres will no longer issue manual TOP next week. Motorists apprehended by the LTO will be given a machine-generated TOP],” said Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary.
Photo: LTO
Aside from issuing digital tickets, all the information that is input into the device will be “uploaded and saved” in the agency’s servers and the indicated violation on the ticket can no longer be edited thereafter. The device also comes with a facial recognition feature and a fingerprint sensor that will be used to verify that a driver’s license is not fake or falsified.
What’s more, each device will have two mobile SIM cards to provide internet connectivity. This brings us to its biggest feature. It is intended that soon, the same devices will be able to accept payments to settle traffic violations by using a credit card or e-wallets instantly.
“Ang second phase ng ating digitalization sa pag-issue ng TOP ay ang cashless payment method kung saan puwede nang magbayad ng multa ang sumuway na motorista kung saan siya mismo nahuli [The second phase of the digitalization of issuing a TOP is a cashless payment method where the motorist him or herself can pay instantly],” Tugade added.
Photo: LTO
By this time, we can see that Tugade and the rest of his agency are not kidding when they said that they’re pushing for full digitalization. With the implementation of the Single Ticketing System just around the corner, this device looks to be the proper weapon of choice for the enforcers.
Will, and can it provide the promised “ease and convenience” when dealing with the agency and when settling traffic violations? With just a few days before they start being used, this will be pretty interesting to see. But don’t go get yourself apprehended just to check it out, yes?
