'Wag kamote sa daan': LTO urges drivers, road users to observe discipline
Drivers of jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) must take part in instituting discipline among their passengers at least in loading and unloading them in proper areas, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II then urged transport groups to heed the call of President Marcos to encourage their members to follow traffic rules and regulations to ensure smooth flow of traffic, as well as the safety of their passengers.
“Transport groups, through their leaders, have the authority to mandate their members to respect traffic laws. We should all pitch in to ensure discipline on all road users,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza particularly mentioned the proper loading and unloading of passengers in the areas that are designated by local government units and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The concept of having designated loading and unloading areas are now being observed for passenger buses especially along EDSA.
“Drivers are the captains of the vehicles. They should take the lead then in telling their passengers where to stop the vehicle, and they should also take the lead in compelling their passengers to ride their vehicles, that is, the proper areas where they would not obstruct the traffic,” said Mendoza.
President Marcos earlier urged all motorists and road users to observe traffic laws and rules and regulations on road safety.
The Chief Executive’s call covers drivers of public utility vehicles for them to observe the designated loading and unloading zones, to refrain from using the designated bicycle lanes, for vendors to clear the sidewalks, and for the public to use pedestrian lanes.
President Marcos emphasized the need for discipline on the road under the Bagong Pilipinas.
On the part of the LTO, Mendoza said the President’s call will be backed by visibility of the agency’s enforcers to ensure that proper loading and unloading of passengers are observed, that bicycle lanes will be exclusive to their intended users and in implementing traffic rules and regulations.