Think tank Infrawatch on Thursday urged Land Transportation Office (LTO) to make sure there is “seamless” transition into automated vehicle inspections as the agency shifts to a new online database that seeks to improve road safety standards in the country.
“If government is truly serious in ensuring road safety for all, the first step towards this is ensuring that vehicles are regularly maintained. The only way to keep motorists in check are automated vehicle inspections to minimize human intervention and keep both government and motorists honest in these transactions,” Terry Ridon, InfraWatch convenor, said in a statement.
This inspection scheme was put on hold in August 2021 due to concerns of possible long lines in the vehicle inspection areas which could be risky for the public’s health during a pandemic, among others.
Further, Ridon urged that the automated vehicle inspections also get rid of fixers, which forces motorists to “pay more for undeserved convenience.”
“Worse, this undeserved convenience does away with mandatory vehicle checks, and there are even vehicles that have never been inspected at all,” he added.
Ridon further pointed out that concerns on the vehicle inspection were already resolved which includes reducing the charged fees.
In February 2021, the inspection rate was lowered from P1,500 to P600 for light vehicles and P500 for motorcycles.
“The main public objection before was the higher fees charged under automated vehicle inspections compared to mere emissions testing. As early as February 2021, testing fees for automated inspections have already been reduced equivalent to the fees paid to emissions only testing,” said Ridon.
GMA News Online asked for a comment from Land Transportation Office regarding the InfraWatch’s request but has yet to receive a reply.—LDF, GMA News
Think tank Infrawatch pushes for seamless shift to automated vehicle inspection
Source: Pinoy Hub News
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