The Fijian Parliament has successfully enacted the Land Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving road safety and decreasing traffic fatalities across the nation. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, the Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safer roads, particularly for novice drivers.
Tuisawau emphasized that these amendments are critical for reducing traffic-related deaths and promoting responsible driving behavior throughout Fiji. The newly introduced measures are designed to hold drivers accountable and impose stricter penalties for traffic law violations.
A significant feature of the Bill is the establishment of a structured framework for provisional licenses, specifically targeting new drivers. Statistics from 2024 revealed that approximately 20 percent of road fatalities involved provisional license holders who engaged in reckless actions such as speeding. The amended legislation stipulates that provisional drivers who violate traffic regulations will encounter longer provisional periods and could potentially lose their licenses after accumulating multiple offenses.
Additionally, the Bill places a strong emphasis on mandatory night driving training as part of driving school programs to better prepare novice drivers for the challenges of driving at night. While passing driving tests is vital, Tuisawau highlights that fostering responsible driving habits remains a key obstacle to overcome.
This legislative move is timely, as Fiji’s road safety data indicates a positive trend with a decrease in fatalities: there were 54 reported deaths in 2024, compared to 78 in the previous year. The government aims to continue this trend by promoting education, enforcement, and a deep-seated commitment to responsible driving practices.
The Land Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025 represents a hopeful advancement toward creating safer driving conditions in Fiji. By enhancing driver education and enforcing stricter penalties for traffic offenses, the government strives to cultivate a culture of safety that can significantly reduce road accidents and improve life quality for all road users.
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