 |
| DPWH-8 recently met with LTO and Leyte Provincial Police to coordinate efforts to clear roadblocks along major routes in the region. Photo: DPWH-8/Facebook |
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII recently held a coordination meeting with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Leyte Provincial Police Office to strengthen its efforts in clearing road obstructions such as illegally parked or abandoned vehicles along the region's major thoroughfares.
"The widening of our national roads was intended to offer comfort, safety and ease to the traveling public but unfortunately illegally parked and abandoned vehicles pose a danger, and in fact, several car accidents were noted because of this," Assistant Regional Director David Adongay said.
The official emphasized that the LTO, PNP-LPO, and DPWH must work together to address this long-standing issue. "The District Engineering Offices were also enjoined as the setback is not only prevalent in Leyte area but also in the DEOs' area of responsibility," he added.
During the meeting, the DPWH R8 proposed the formation of a DPWH Task Force on Anti-road Obstructions and Prohibited Uses Along National Roads and Highways to assist the LTO in addressing illegally parked or abandoned vehicles. Renewal of DPWH deputized agents, particularly those assigned to weighbridge stations like the San Juanico Bridge, was also requested in order to resolve issues with erring truck drivers and reduce overloading concerns.
DEOs were directed to submit to the DPWH RO8 and LTO a consolidated report or an inventory of illegally parked and abandoned vehicles within their jurisdiction. According to Atty. Ledwino R. Macariola, LTO R8 Asst. Regional Director reports must include photos of the plate or chassis number and the location of the obstruction with geographical coordinates.
"These consolidated reports of illegally parked or abandoned vehicles and the endorsement of violations should be submitted to the nearest LTO district office for quicker action on our part," he added.
The agency also renewed the licenses of previously deputized DPWH 8 personnel and directed the office to submit old Identification Cards and tickets to the LTO Regional Office.
Meanwhile, the Leyte Provincial Police Office ensured security, peace, and order during the DPWH's road obstruction clearing operations in Eastern Visayas.
As a long-term solution, the DPWH VIII intends to work closely with the local government units in this area, urging them to supplement or enforce anti-roadblock efforts to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. —Tacloban News Update (Source: DPWH-8/KBA)