LTO orders crackdown versus overloading

CEBU, Philippines — All regional directors of the Land Transportation Office have been ordered to strictly implement the crackdown on overloaded trucks and trailers in their respective areas of responsibility.

LTO chief, Assistant Secretary, Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, said such has to be strictly implemented as overloaded trucks and trailers threaten road safety and sometimes result in fatal road accidents.

“We need to seriously run after them because more than the damage to roads and bridges, they also threaten the safety of all road users,” Mendoza said, in a statement, yesterday.

Several cases of multiple vehicle damage and multiple fatalities have been recorded in the past due to overloaded trucks and trailers along national highways, according to LTO.

In 2023, the LTO recorded around P42.7 million in penalties from overloading of motor vehicles, especially trucks and trailers.

“Based on the complaints that we have been receiving, overloaded trucks also contribute to road and bridge damage which eventually result in additional expenses for the national government for repairs,” added Mendoza.

When Mendoza assumed the top LTO post, Mendoza immediately ordered all agency officials to run after overloaded trucks and trailers amid several cases of fatal road accidents.

“The guidance of our DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista is very clear: to ensure the safety of road users at all times. Our strict implementation of laws on overloading is one of the measures that we could do to ensure safety of road users,” Mendoza ended. — (FREEMAN)