The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday, January 8, implemented a crackdown against overloaded trucks and trailers following road safety threats.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza ordered the crackdown, stating that overloaded vehicles threaten road safety and “sometimes result in fatal road accidents”, vehicle damage as well as fatalities along national highways.

“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,” Mendoza said.

“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,” he added.

According to the agency, overloading topped as one of the main violations over the past few years.

LTO cited that it recorded a total of P42.7 million in fines from motor vehicles, particularly trucks and trailers in 2023.