LTO seeks harmonized traffic rules

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is seeking to harmonize traffic rules in Metro Manila to put more order on the road.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Anneli Lontoc said the LTO has been receiving numerous complaints from transport groups and private motorists regarding the different traffic rules and regulations in the metropolis.

Most said they are confused by the different traffic rules implemented in each city or municipality. They also have difficulty determining where they can claim confiscated plates and licenses, as well as where to pay the fines for violations.

Lontoc urged local government units (LGUs) to work with the LTO to address the concern.

"With LTO and the local leaders working together, we can come up with traffic rules that are in line with each other. We can also join the local government in informing motorists to avoid confusion," she said.

In a recent meeting with Lontoc, transport group Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Organization of the Philippines expressed support for the LTO proposal.

The group also aired concerns over colorum and out-of-line vehicles still operating in Metro Manila.

The LTO recently strengthened the Bantay Ruta program with the help of traffic enforcers to eliminate colorum and out-of-line vehicles. — Sandy Araneta