The Land Transportation Office (LTO) vowed on Monday, Nov. 13, to run after motorists who would dare to escape from traffic enforcers who would flag them down for traffic violations as the higher penalties for those who would illegally use the EDSA Bus Lane has started.
LTO chief Vigor D. Mendoza II said they are also eyeing sanction of suspending the driver’s license of motorists who would disregard and disrespect traffic enforcers not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country.
This is the reason, according to Vigor, why he instructed LTO regional directors to strengthen the coordination with traffic management units of all local government units (LGUs) in order to ensure that motorists who would disrespect traffic enforcers would be immediately punished.
“Our driver’s license is a privilege given by the government. It comes with responsibility and obligation that includes respecting traffic laws to ensure road safety, and respecting the people who enforce them,” said Mendoza.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes earlier said that they have been receiving reports that some drivers evade apprehension by speeding off their vehicles when flagged down.
"These EDSA bus lane violators will be reported to the Land Transportation Office and penalties will be attached to the vehicle owners," said Artes.
The LTO has the power to either suspend or revoke the driver’s license of any motorists who would blatantly violate traffic laws.
Mendoza was with Artes during the start of the implementation of stiffer penalties for violators of EDSA Bus Lane on Monday wherein more than 300 motorists were apprehended in the first three hours of the implementation.
“What these some motorists are doing is unacceptable. This is a blatant disrespect to the traffic laws,” said Mendoza.
Meanwhile, Mendoza said that the LTO is ready to deploy additional enforcers to ensure compliance of motorists to reserve the EDSA Bus Lane to passenger buses, ambulances and other vehicles authorized by the MMDA to use it.