In its 2021 annual report, the Fiji Police Force’s traffic control division revealed that it issued approximately $3 million in Traffic Infringements Notices (TINs) throughout the year. A significant number of these, totaling 40,080, were for speeding, leading to penalties of $1 million. Other offenses included seatbelt violations ($125,000), careless driving incidents (2,373 notices), and drunk driving fines, amounting to $116,400. The report highlighted that $1.3 million was issued for various other violations.
The traffic control division has made notable efforts in enforcement, intercepting over 289,498 vehicles, conducting 8,577 school patrols, and hosting 161,801 awareness activities aimed at improving road safety. Notably, the report identified speeding as the leading cause of road fatalities within the traffic data gathered from August 2020 to July 2021. Efforts to enhance safety could include increasing the number of speed detectors, which currently stands at 29, and establishing additional traffic units to improve overall command and control on the forefront.
The statistics show a commendable decrease in fatalities, with 36 recorded from August 2020 to July 2021 compared to 52 in the same time frame for the previous year. This suggests that ongoing enforcement and awareness initiatives may be contributing positively to road safety in Fiji.
As the authorities continue to emphasize responsible driving and adherence to road rules, the reduction in fatalities offers hope for further improvements. The commitment from the Fiji Police to maintain an active stance on traffic control and raise public awareness is pivotal to fostering a safer driving environment for all road users. This continued effort reflects a positive trend towards sustainable road safety practices in the community.
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