Around 76 traffic violators were apprehended in the one-day simultaneous “one-time-big-time” joint operations of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the city, the PNP Highway Patrol Group, and the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) on Friday.
Transportation and law enforcement agencies conducted its “one-time big-time” nationwide crackdown against traffic violators, particularly on overloading and over-speeding vehicles ordered by the transportation office.
In a copy of the memorandum obtained by Palawan News, LTO said it intends to prevent more road crash incidents, as well as comply with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to strictly enforce the country’s traffic laws.
“Based on the actual reports, an alarming number of fatal road crashes involving trucks where passengers riding outside the intended seats or were on board the space provision designed for cargo or freight died or seriously injured. [Based on the law] prohibits the operation of motor vehicles exceeding its registered passenger capacity and with persons riding outside or at the rear of any vehicle. It is also unlawful to allow passengers on board the cargo provisions of a truck including pick-up vehicles,” the memorandum said.
LTO Palawan District Office head Antonia Dela Cruz said that the operation conducted on Friday in different areas of the city.
She said that the majority of the violators do not have a driver’s license, without a seat belt, disregarding traffic sign and unregistered vehicle.
“To be exact 76 ang apprehension namin with LTO and traffic management. Puwedeng sa 76 na ‘yan ay kunti lang ang ticket kasi puwedeng bawat ticket ay marami ang violation. Katulad nga sa operation natin ang daming nahuli kagaya ng walang seat belt, unregistered ang vehicle nila tapos may sakay sa likod ang pick-up,” she said.
Dela Cruz said that three motorcycles were impounded on the same day either because the drivers have no license or they are not registered.
“May na-impound kami na tatlo, usually nai-impound kapag walang driver’s license at hindi naka-rehistro ang sasakyan. [Ang penalty bago matubos] ay depende sa violation nila kasi sa isang ticket puwedeng marami ang nakalagay doon [na violation],” Dela Cruz said.
The operation was conducted along the national highway in Tiniguiban, Irawan, and Tagburos.
She also clarified that it was a regular operation that was just conducted simultaneously on Friday.
“Dito lang kami nag-stay sa Puerto pero malamang naman ay galing na sa labas ng city ang iba. Hindi lang naman noong Biyernes ‘yon but it is a regular operation,” she added.
