LTO Enforces Stricter Speed Limits to Combat Over-Speeding on Expressways

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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has called for an rigorous enforcement of speed limits and road safety protocols on expressways in response to rising concerns about rampant over-speeding. This directive comes as motorists and netizens express frustration over the lack of strict regulation by expressway enforcers.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza highlighted the sparse presence of enforcers and their failure to consistently tackle violations such as over-speeding and improper lane usage. "The presence alone of expressway enforcers compels motorists to behave. In almost all cases, motorists slow down on seeing patrol vehicles," Mendoza stated.

Addressing expressway managers at a meeting in the LTO Central Office, Quezon City, Mendoza stressed the importance of dynamic monitoring and rapid response to traffic offences, particularly over-speeding. He criticized the current practice of waiting at toll plazas to catch speed violators, urging enforcers to take immediate action when violations are detected.

Mendoza underscored the potential for accidents to occur between toll plazas and the monitored areas, stressing the necessity for proactive enforcement. "The current practice is that they would wait for the violators at the toll plazas, but what if an accident happened in between?" he questioned.

In addition to over-speeding, Mendoza pointed out lane hogging as another major issue on expressways. Despite signs instructing slow-moving vehicles to stick to the right lane, many drivers unlawfully occupy the left lane, designated for overtaking. This often leads to road rage incidents between violating drivers and other motorists.

Citing data from the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-HPG), Mendoza revealed that 13 percent of the over 31,000 road accidents recorded in 2024 occurred on expressways, with the majority being fatal. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for enhanced enforcement measures.

"We really need to do more. As our deputized enforcers, you share our obligation, our mandate to ensure the safety of motorists and all people using expressways at all times," Mendoza urged.

The LTO's renewed focus on stringent road safety enforcement aims to curtail dangerous driving practices, thus reducing accidents and improving the overall safety of the expressway system.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-05-08