LTO summons driver of double-parked sedan blocking firetruck

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Sunday issued a show-cause order against the driver and registered owner of a black Hyundai Elantra sedan seen double-parked and obstructing a firetruck in a viral video.

“The sedan was seen double-parked on a narrow street. While the Bureau of Fire Protection [BFP] truck was responding to an emergency, it struggled to pass through and eventually scraped the sedan’s door, resulting in a delay in its response,” the LTO said in a press release.

The LTO did not specify the exact date and location of the incident.

The driver and registered owner are scheduled to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division at the agency’s Central Office on September 18.

They were directed to submit sworn statements and supporting documents regarding allegations of parking in prohibited places and obstruction of traffic.

According to the LTO, the driver’s license may be revoked if he is found to be an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.

The agency also directed the driver to immediately surrender his license, which will be placed under a 90-day preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the vehicle has been placed under alarm status.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao urged motorists to remain mindful of road safety and avoid causing obstructions, particularly to emergency response vehicles.

“Every second counts for our firefighters. Violations or negligence on the road should never cause delays in their emergency response,” Lacanilao said.— MCG, GMA News