Growing vehicle numbers and limited road space are prompting authorities to urgently reassess vehicle importation policies and road safety measures due to rising concerns over traffic congestion and accidents.
Irimaia Rokosawa, Chief Executive of the Land Transport Authority, has called upon stakeholders involved in vehicle importation to consider the realities of Fiji’s size and finite road capacity. He noted that vehicle registrations have experienced a notable increase of around 10 percent over the past two years, climbing from approximately 159,000 to 162,000 vehicles.
Rokosawa emphasized, “We are running out of space, and you can see the number of fatalities is increasing. Fatalities are on the rise because vehicle registrations are also increasing.” He acknowledged that although the rate of fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles has declined, the total of 75 lives lost remains a significant concern.
Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau supported these assertions, highlighting the growing imbalance between the number of vehicles and the country’s road network. He suggested that there needs to be a comprehensive reevaluation of policies regarding the optimal number of vehicles that Fiji can accommodate safely and conveniently, which would help reduce congestion and enhance the ease of travel.
Ro Filipe also underscored the urgency of expediting the reform of the Road Safety Council as part of broader initiatives aimed at improving travel safety and efficiency throughout the nation. The focus on proactive measures reflects a commitment to ensuring the well-being of all road users and fostering a safer driving environment in Fiji.
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