THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced on Monday that it will be on heightened alert starting March 31 in preparation for the Holy Week and the start of summer vacation.

In an advisory, the LTO said the status will last until April 10 and will cover weekends as well.

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said the agency will focus on overall road safety and roadworthiness inspections of public utility vehicles plying their routes, as well as terminals and assisting motorists.

The agency will also perform random drug tests on drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles during this period.

Apart from major roads north and south of the National Capital Region, LTO personnel will also monitor strategic areas or terminals in different regions nationwide.

Tugade gave his assurance that the LTO will strictly implement the mandates under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and other related laws and will arrest violators.

Meanwhile, a seminar will be held on Tuesday for drivers and conductors of public vehicles as part of the LTO’s promotion of safe travel this Holy Week.

“We have no wish for the LTO but to ensure that the Holy Week and vacation of our compatriots can be held properly and safely. We also ask for the public’s cooperation in being careful and obeying traffic laws for smooth travel this year,” said Tugade.