LTO: Impounding of e-vehicles on national roads suspended 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has moved to Jan. 2 next year, the impounding of electronic vehicles such as electronic bikes (e-bikes) and electronic tricycles (e-trikes) that will be caught operating on national highways.

In a video statement on Sunday, LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said they decided to postpone the “strict enforcement” of the crackdown that was originally set to begin on Monday, Dec. 1.

Instead of impounding the said vehicles, the LTO will instead conduct an information drive targeting their owners to ensure they are aware that they cannot operate on national roads.

“In response to public complaints, I would like to clarify that our President Bongbong Marcos and [acting Transportation] Secretary Giovanni Lopez have heard your concerns. Therefore, there will be no impounding operation for the time being while we implement a comprehensive information drive to give everyone enough time to understand and comply with the existing regulations,” Lacanilao said.

Guidelines coming

“We will come out with guidelines and an information campaign to explain where LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles) are allowed to operate,” he added.

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Peter La Julian, former Inquirer correspondent, writes 30

“Ultimately, the LTO has only one goal, not to inconvenience the public, but to ensure that our roads are safe, well-maintained, and with clear responsibilities for every user, including users of e-bikes, e-trikes, and other LEVs,” the LTO chief said.

Lacanilao recently announced a ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on national highways, citing a rise in accidents involving the light electric vehicles. According to him, this was to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.