The Land Transport Authority is cracking down on the operation of motor vehicles as public service vehicles by ordering a seizure of the vehicles on the spot.
Acting CEO Irimaia Rokosawa stated in a circular issued on June 27 that LTA has received numerous complaints from stakeholders and government agencies that there is a significant increase in the illegal operation of motor vehicles as public service vehicles across all regions.
“This memo serves to express the management’s disappointment in the current laxity of our enforcement teams in addressing this critical issue,” he states in the circular.
“The role of the LTA is to ensure that all transport operations within the country comply with the law, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of our transport system.
“It is imperative that we uphold this responsibility with utmost diligence.”
Mr Rokosawa states any private vehicle caught doing PSV jobs should be issued a traffic infringement notice (TIN) and a warning must be issued.
“Vehicles found in violation will be seized for investigation. First offence: Seizure of the vehicle for no less than 2 days for investigation.
“Second offence: Seizure of the vehicle for no less than 4 days for investigation.
“Third offence: Seizure of the vehicle and issuance of TIN and first warning notice. Vehicle to be seized until the show-cause hearing and a decision is completed by the CEO.”
Mr Rokosawa states at the show cause hearings, the vehicle owner will be called for a show-cause hearing to determine whether the vehicle registration should be de-registered or suspended.
“The management expects compliance with these directives and a marked improvement in the enforcement of transport regulations.”
