By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) impounded 1,653 motor vehicles in February as part of its nationwide crackdown against delinquency.
In a statement Friday, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the impounded vehicles are only a fraction of the total 7,252 delinquent motor vehicles — left unregistered for an extended period — that were apprehended in February.
“Patuloy ang ating agresibong operasyon kaya muli ay nanawagan tayo sa mga delinquent motor vehicles na huwag na hintayin mahuli pa kayo dahil mas malaki ang babayaran ninyo at baka ma-impound pa ang mga sasakyan niyo (Our aggressive operation continues and that’s why we are again calling on delinquent vehicle owners to not wait to be apprehended because you’ll only face bigger fines and possible impounding),” Mendoza said.
Renewal of registration is one of the ways to determine the roadworthiness of vehicles on the road to help ensure the safety of all road users, he added.
In addition, LTO regional offices caught 243 “colorum” or unregistered public utility vehicles (PUV) for illegally picking up passengers.
Of the figure, 123 were impounded.
“Let this serve as a stern warning to the delinquent motor vehicle owners that we will continue with this operation because this involves road safety and your obligation that comes with motor vehicle ownership,” he said.
In January, the LTO said 272,233 delinquent motor vehicles have registered following the aggressive implementation of its “no registration, no travel” policy.
Last year, the LTO launched its crackdown against delinquent vehicles, estimated at 24 million. (PNA)
