LTO fortifies crackdown on overloaded trucks, trailers

MANILA: Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II has instructed all regional directors to strictly implement the crackdown on overloaded trucks and trailers in their areas.

Mendoza stressed that overloaded trucks and trailers pose a risk for road safety and may result in fatal accidents.

Overloaded trucks and trailers on national highways have been the cause of numerous incidents of multiple vehicle damage and fatalities in the past. 

“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. 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 added.

Overloading has been one of the most common violations in the past years. Last year, the LTO reported fines totaling over P42.7 million from overloading, particularly involving trucks and trailers.

As soon as he took over as head of the LTO in July 2023, Mendoza gave all agency officials the directive to go after overloaded trucks and trailers following multiple instances of fatal road accidents caused by overloading.

The strict implementation since August of last year has led to a 12.8 percent decrease in violations when compared to data from 2022.

“The guidance of our DOTr Secretary Jaime 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 stated.

Photos from North Luzon Expressway Corporation and Land Transportation Office

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