LTO to intensify policy vs ‘unsightly vehicles’

Metro Manila, Philippines - Drivers who have “unsightly vehicles” may be summoned by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) beginning next month as part of the government's crackdown on vehicles that are not road-worthy, the agency said on Wednesday, April 23.

In a press briefing, LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza said the agency will form a special team in every region to monitor “unsightly vehicles” on the road.

These vehicles pertain to those that are visually unpleasant and in poor condition (broken side mirrors, busted lights, and worn-out seats, among others).

LTO’s move was announced in the wake of successive road crashes in the past weeks.

“We call their attention. You cannot run a vehicle along Philippine roads na yung sasakyan mo yung babagsak na yung bumper mo parang ganun. Hindi pwede yun, paano kung bumagsak talaga, yung kotse sa likod baka masagasaan yan, magkaroon ng aksidente,” said Mendoza.

[Translation: We call their attention. You can’t drive a vehicle along 15 roads when your bumper is already about to fall off - things like that. That’s not allowed. What if it actually falls off? A car behind might get hit, or it could cause an accident.]

After a show-cause order, the LTO will inspect the vehicle and require repairs before it's allowed back on the road.

Aside from a dedicated group to monitor unsightly vehicles, the agency is also set to form a special team to address drug use and alcoholism among drivers. Nearly a hundred drivers tested positive in a random drug test held during the Holy Week.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the creation of a special task force that will conduct “a sweeping review” of road safety policies and procedures.

The task force is composed of the Department of Transportation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the LTO.

“Clearly iyong polisiya ngayon, mga proseso ngayon hindi epektibo,” said Dizon.

“Mag-crackdown tayo dito sa unroadworthy vehicles kasi buhay ang pinag-uusapan natin,” he added.

[Translation: Clearly the policy and procedures now are ineffective. We’ll do a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles because we are talking about lives here.]