The Fijian government is advancing the Land Transport Amendment Bill 2025, which aims to strengthen regulations for provisional license holders to enhance road safety. Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau announced that the regulations will soon be finalized, following an amendment that introduces stricter penalties for provisional drivers.
This amendment, enacted on March 13, includes substantial changes such as imposing a three-month extension on the provisional period for any traffic violation and the risk of license cancellation after accumulating three offenses. Notably, statistics reveal that from 2022 to 2024, about 37,000 provisional drivers faced traffic infringement notices, marking a staggering 150% increase since 2023. Additionally, around 20% of road fatalities in 2024 were linked to speeding and reckless driving by provisional license holders.
The legislative changes come as part of a broader effort to address alarming trends in traffic violations and improve the overall safety on Fiji’s roads. Previous measures and reports have indicated a concerning number of infractions and accidents primarily among novice drivers. For example, over 49,000 infringements were recorded from August 2021 to October 2024 among Class 2 provisional license holders.
As these changes progress, the government expresses an optimistic outlook for the future of road safety. Enhanced educational programs and stricter enforcement are anticipated to cultivate responsible driving behaviors, ultimately aiming to significantly reduce traffic incidents across Fiji.
This initiative not only seeks to promote accountability among drivers but also demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the safety and wellbeing of all road users. With a proactive approach in place, there is hope that these measures will lead to a positive shift in driving culture, fostering a safer environment for everyone on the roads.
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