Sensors to replace traffic light timers in Metro Manila

Loop detectors or sensors are set to replace the timers of all traffic lights in the intersections across Metro Manila in two to three years.

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras”, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been slowly changing the timers with its adaptive sensor traffic control system.

The new technology entails the installation of loop detectors or sensors that will determine the flow of traffic in the intersections.

“Usually ang reklamo ng mga motorista 'walang dumadaan sa lahat ng approach kami meron' pero wala pa yung time nila kailangan nila ubusin yung isang minuto o higit pa,” said Engr. Jemima Ann Ado from the MMDA.

(Motorists are usually complaining ‘there’s no vehicle in all approaches but we’re packed in our lane’. They have to finish their time which is about a minute or more.)

The MMDA started the project in 2012, the report said. Presently, traffic lights using sensors are used in more than 200 intersections in the National Capital Region.

Some motorists, however, still prefer timers in the traffic lights. 

“Hindi ka nabubulaga, makakapag-prepare ka,” a motorcycle driver said.

(You are not surprised with the changing of color because you can prepare.)

MMDA said they have already reached out to local city governments as regards the issue.

“Para mabigyan ng another two seconds para magkaroong ng pagkakataon na makatawid sa intersection,” MMDA Traffic Engineering Section Chief Engineer Francisco Pesino said.

(To give them another two seconds and give them the chance to cross the intersection.) -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA News