Fiji expands road-safety push with portable speed cameras as fatalities rise
Fiji’s road-safety drive is stepping up a gear as portable speed cameras begin deployment nationwide. Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau told Parliament this week that the new cameras are not a luxury but a necessary response to the alarming level of road deaths caused by speeding. In 2023, Fiji recorded 77 road fatalities, with speeding responsible for 34 of them. By August 4 this year, 39 people had died on the roads, 23 of whom were linked to speeding.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) already operates 14 fixed speed cameras across 31 sites and has procured 12 portable units, with five more on the way. The portable cameras will target high-risk corridors and will also respond to public complaints, creating a flexible enforcement network to complement existing fixed cameras.
A broader picture emerging from the expanded camera program shows a growing enforcement footprint. Infringement notices rose significantly between 2023 and 2024, and early 2025 data indicate portable cameras are responsible for a substantial portion of detected speeding violations. Officials stress that the aim is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries, not to generate revenue, and the enforcement approach is paired with public education campaigns to encourage safer driving habits.
The LTA has signaled a zero-tolerance stance on repeat offenders, suggesting possible showcause actions that could lead to suspension or cancellation of driving licenses as part of an intensified enforcement regime. In line with these measures, the authority is exploring additional traffic-safety enhancements, including exploring road humps in select locations to further promote safe driving.
These efforts build on earlier steps to install fixed speed and red-light cameras in major urban areas and the ongoing rollout of portable units. By combining real-time data transmission, high-definition imaging, and flexible deployment, Fiji aims to deter speeding, identify trends, and tailor enforcement to where crashes are most likely to occur.
What this means for road users
– Expect increased enforcement visibility in high-risk areas and at times when speeding is most common.
– Portable cameras will operate during both scheduled patrols and surprise checks, with data transmitted in real time to authorities.
– Public awareness campaigns will accompany enforcement to foster a culture of safer driving.
Summary
Fiji is expanding its speed-camera network to address rising road fatalities, particularly those from speeding, by adding portable units to the existing fixed cameras. With a broader enforcement push, public education, and consideration of additional traffic-safety measures, officials are hopeful the trajectory will move toward safer roads and fewer lives lost.
Additional note
If you’d like, I can add a short, grounded explainer box for readers on how portable speed cameras work, what drivers can expect in the coming months, and tips for safer driving.
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