LTO intensifies road monitoring to ease Christmas traffic
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has intensified road monitoring in anticipation of traffic jams and a surge in commuters this Christmas season.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II instructed enforcers to prioritize road safety operations on trucks by deploying personnel along common truck routes in Metro Manila and other key areas nationwide.
“The deployment of personnel for trucks should be done at night and in early morning, the time when truck bans are lifted by the local government units (LGUs) and the time when trucks are usually traveling the road,” Mendoza’s statement read.
“The checking should be random and unless there is a violation, they should always be reminded to exercise caution and ensure that the brakes are working,” he added.
The LTO previously issued two show-cause orders to the registered owners and drivers of two trucks involved in fatal accidents in Quezon City and Parañaque City.
According to Mendoza, the drivers’ licenses were suspended for 90 days, while the two trucks involved were placed under alarm.
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Article continues after this advertisementWith this, Mendoza urged truck owners and operators to prioritize the roadworthiness of their vehicles to prevent accidents.
“This is part of their obligation to their business, their clients, their employees, and all road users,” he said in Filipino.
In Metro Manila, LTO personnel will reinforce the efforts of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, local government traffic units, and the Philippine National Police to manage the expected surge in road activity, Mendoza said.
Meanwhile, local and provincial LTO officials were tasked to coordinate with LGUs and police forces to assess how the agency can assist in managing traffic flow, particularly in urban areas.
“Our job is to ensure that they are safe on their way to the provinces and back to normal days come January next year. And this could be done through our intensified visibility that will prevent road accidents,” Mendoza said.
The LTO chief added that surprise and random inspections would also be carried out on passenger buses to ensure their roadworthiness, as thousands of passengers are expected to crowd bus terminals during the Christmas break.
“Part of the inspection is the conduct of surprise and random drug testing to the drivers,” he said.
