A law focused on mandatory speed limiters for PUVs exists and could FINALLY be enforced
Yes, you read that right. A law that deals with the installation of speed limiters on all forms of PUVs does exist, and the LTO, LTFRB, and the DOTr are all scrambling (well, they seem to be) to finally implement and enforce it. Admitting that it’s “long overdue”, LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza said that various agencies have already met to discuss the matter.
Republic Act 10916, or the Road Speed Limiter Act has existed since 2016
Photo: Land Transportation Office
By this time, ranking transport officials have met and discussed the mandatory implementation of a law that requires the installation of speed limiters in public utility vehicles (PUVs). As part of the government’s road safety measures, this measure may finally be implemented and enforced. Most of us might not know that this – previously the Road Speed Limiter Act which lapsed into law – has existed since 2016 and was supposed to have been in effect since then. As we speak, this is not being done.
Photo: Metro Manila Development Authority
“The full implementation of this law is long overdue. We have to do something now for the interest and protection of all road users,” said LTO’s Mendoza. “We will continue holding a series of meetings in order to come up with the guideline, with the intention of installing the required speed limiters in the soonest possible time,” he added.
Big names in government as well as UV Express and bus operators were part of the first meeting regarding this matter. The LTO said that the dialogue emphasized the ongoing efforts towards the mandatory implementation of speed limiters to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with government regulations. What’s odd, though, is the fact that no mention of jeepney operators was mentioned as having participated in the preliminary meeting.
“These measures aim to promote safer travel for commuters and elevate the standards of public transportation safety across the country,” Mendoza explained.
Photo: Metro Manila Development Authority
The use of a speed limiter device that electronically controls a vehicle’s speed without affecting the vehicle components was introduced in Republic Act 10916. It was conceived née enacted purposely as part of the government intervention in road accidents. According to data from the UN, an average of 32 people die every day in the Philippines as a result of road accidents.
“Our goal of reducing road accident deaths by 35 percent by 2028 and by 50 percent by 2033 was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. This is part of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan that actively promotes road safety,” said DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Given this number of daily deaths attributed to road accidents, it’s most baffling and even more deplorable as to how and why this law was shelved only to be discussed again now, 8 years since it was supposed to have begun being enforced. This time around, the public expects more, and proper implementation if a measure such as this is truly seen and meant as a means to address the accidents involving speeding PUVs on our roads.
