LTO switches to wireless system for traffic violations

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has switched to the BlackBerry 7290 phone model to power up its network traffic enforcers.

The high-end wireless handheld has become a useful traffic tool with Traffic Violation System (TVS), a wireless application exclusive to Smart Communications subscribers and developed by Stradcom Corp., a local information technology company implementing the LTO-Information Technology (IT) project.

With TVS, an LTO apprehending officer can verify information regarding motorists or motor vehicles that violate or are suspected of violating road safety or traffic rules and regulations while in the field.

"Using wireless technology to access needed information from a database illustrates the convenience and cost-effectiveness of mobile connectivity. We are proud to be a part of this wireless innovation that impacts on public safety and convenience," said PLDT senior vice president and corporate business group head Eric Alberto.

LTO executive director and law enforcement service officer-in-charge Jimmy Pesigan attests to the speed of the system."There are cases when a law enforcer chances upon a reckless driver. Using his BlackBerry, he can access the TVS to verify information about the motor vehicle and other related information in just five to 10 seconds," he said.

Stradcom business systems analyst Marge de Leon said it is crucial for apprehending officers to have speedy and reliable access to the LTO database while in the field since they often have to make on-the-spot decisions, which are sometimes contested all the way to the courts.

There are 213 BlackBerry units and Smart postpaid lines assigned to LTO regional directors, assistant regional directors and apprehending officers nationwide.

Pesigan said that it would be ideal for law enforcers all over the country to be equipped with GPRS-capable handheld units and given speedy and reliable access to LTO data via TVS.

Using Smart GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) via the BlackBerry 7290, LTO officers are able to access the LTO database to obtain information like license number, name and birth date of driver, license expiry date, vehicle plate number, vehicle file number, engine and chassis number, registration date, vehicle classification, vehicle color, fuel type and other information.

Apprehension and alarm records and other information tied to a driver’s license or motor vehicle can also be obtained.

The information comes in handy since LTO officers are alerted to stolen vehicles and carjackers, as well as a violator’s past misdemeanors and accidents that strengthen their field apprehensions, De Leon said.

Smart and Stradcom first implemented TVS in 2005, using Smart’s prepaid service and another cellular phone model. Difficulties with the unit and limited load paved the way for the use of the BlackBerry 7290 in accessing the application.