A total of 639,323 motorists were apprehended for various traffic violations in 2024, marking a 20.75% increase compared to the 529,439 apprehended in 2023, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported on Friday, January 3.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, attributed the surge to intensified enforcement strategies aimed at promoting road safety. These measures align with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista’s advocacy for ensuring the safety of all road users.
Regional Breakdown and Increases
According to LTO data, LTO-Calabarzon recorded the highest number of apprehensions in 2024 with 109,159 cases, reflecting a 144.11% increase from 44,717 in 2023. Following closely was the Cagayan Valley Region with 70,855 cases, and LTO-Mimaropa reported a 120.76% rise in apprehensions, from 14,079 in 2023 to 31,081 in 2024.
Enhanced Enforcement Efforts
Asec Mendoza commended LTO enforcers for their dedication, including night and early morning operations. Key initiatives included:
Anti-Colorum Operations: Targeting unauthorized public utility vehicles.
Truck Safety Enforcement: Addressing overloading and use of worn-out tires.
In a recent operation along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on January 3, LTO enforcers apprehended a delivery truck with multiple violations, including worn-out and busted tires, the absence of an official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR), and the use of improvised plates.
“Hindi ko alam kung ano ang tumatakbo sa utak ng mga may-ari at driver ng truck na ito na alam ng kalbo na ang gulong ng sasakyan, at minsan nga ay may isra pa, ay talagang ipipilit pang gamitin,” said Asec Mendoza, expressing frustration over the blatant disregard for safety.
Vehicle Impoundments and Future Plans
In 2024, 29,709 motor vehicles were impounded, a 21.93% increase from 24,366 in 2023. Mendoza vowed to sustain aggressive enforcement efforts, emphasizing their critical role in protecting public safety.
“These results are a reminder to all motorists that we are committed to ensuring compliance with traffic laws. Operations will continue daily to promote safer roads,” he said.
The LTO urged motorists to adhere to road safety regulations, warning that violations will face strict penalties as the agency intensifies its campaigns in 2025.