House Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera has reiterated her call for enhanced road safety and traffic efficiency across the country’s expressways and tollways.

In a renewed effort, Herrera once again called attention to House Bill (HB) 8161, which she filed last year and is currently pending with the House Committee on Transportation, aiming to define the non-payment of toll fees as a traffic violation, prescribe corresponding fines and penalties, and promote the use of advanced tolling technologies.

“Our expressways and tollways are the lifelines of our nation’s transportation network. It is imperative that we ensure they are safe, efficient, and accessible. HB 8161 is a crucial step towards achieving this goal,” Herrera pointed out.

“We must act now to modernize our toll systems and enforce traffic rules to protect our motorists and improve our roadways,” she added.

Section 4 of the bill categorizes the non-payment of toll fees as a traffic violation. “This move is designed to deter motorists from bypassing toll payments, which often leads to traffic congestion and accidents,” Herrera said.

The bill includes provisions for incremental and increasing penalties for repeated violations, ensuring strict compliance and discouraging habitual offenders.

Section 5 specifies the penalties for violators. Any person who violates Section 4 will be penalized with P1,000 and suspension of driver’s license for 1 month for the first offense, P2,500 and suspension of driver’s license for 3 months for the second offense, and P5,000 and suspension of driver’s license for 6 months for the third offense.

To streamline toll collection processes, the bill mandates the use of standardized RFID (radio-frequency identification) systems across all tollways in the country.

“The implementation of standardized RFID systems will provide more efficient and faster toll collection,” Herrera explained. “It will benefit the commuting and motoring public as well as businesses by providing a more seamless and hassle-free toll payment experience, eliminating the need to stop at toll booths and reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas.”

The legislation also introduces advanced tolling systems such as Open Road Tolling (ORT) and Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) tolling, which allow for automated cashless toll collection.

These technologies enable vehicles equipped with RFID tags to pass through toll points without stopping, significantly enhancing traffic flow and reducing travel times.

“Proper enforcement of traffic rules is crucial for the successful implementation of ORT and MLFF tolling systems, as any violation can lead to an increase in accidents and congestion,” Herrera said.

Herrera underscored the critical importance of road safety and traffic efficiency in the development of the country’s transportation infrastructure.

“Our expressways and tollways are vital for fast and convenient travel. However, the lack of enforcement of traffic laws and inconsistent RFID systems have resulted in inefficiencies and road accidents,” she said.

The proposed measure aims to address these issues by ensuring proper enforcement of traffic rules and promoting tollway interoperability.

The adoption of ORT and MLFF tolling systems will lead to faster and more efficient travel, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions, contributing to a more environmentally friendly transportation network.

“The benefits of implementing ORT and MLFF tolling systems in the Philippines are numerous. They will provide faster and more efficient travel, reduce congestion, offer a hassle-free toll payment experience, and improve air quality,” Herrera noted.

The bill draws inspiration from successful implementations of similar systems in other countries.

Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing system and the tolling systems in Japan, South Korea, and China have demonstrated significant improvements in traffic management and travel efficiency.

“The successful implementation of ORT and MLFF tolling systems in other Asian countries provides a solid foundation for the adoption of this system in the Philippines,” Herrera said.

Herrera called on her fellow lawmakers and stakeholders to support HB 8161.

“This bill is a step toward a safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation system in the Philippines. It benefits the commuting public, businesses, and our environment,” she stressed.