The Fijian government is gearing up for the anticipated passage of the Land Transport Amendment Bill 2025 in Parliament next Thursday, aimed at bolstering road safety throughout the nation. The motion to advance this essential legislation was approved last night.
Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau emphasized that a pivotal aspect of this amendment is the introduction of a two-stage provisional license system. Currently, drivers who successfully complete their tests receive a provisional license valid for two years, after which they may apply for a full license. The proposed changes intend to gradually increase the privileges of new drivers, fostering vital skills and awareness necessary for safe driving.
Tuisawau stated, “Our aim is to address the alarming trend of road accidents, particularly among new drivers and provisional license holders, ensuring safety for all road users.” Despite a positive trend showing a decline in total road fatalities from 78 in 2023 to 54 in 2024, he noted that about 20% of these deaths were associated with speeding or reckless behavior by provisional drivers.
Previous reports concerning road safety have highlighted the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) commitment to implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards reckless driving. The LTA has actively revoked licenses of those involved in serious traffic accidents to promote driver accountability. With traffic infringements previously reaching over 49,000 from August 2021 to October 2024, the urgency for stricter regulations and enhanced driver education has become increasingly clear.
The new two-stage licensing system aims to provide a more structured framework that enables competency-based evaluations for provisional drivers, ultimately working toward decreased accident rates. With reckless driving identified as a major concern, the amendment aligns with ongoing LTA initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety.
As these legislative changes move forward, there is a prevailing optimistic outlook that they will foster a safer driving environment and promote responsible driving habits, reinforcing a collective societal commitment to road safety. With hopes high, this bill could lead to a significant reduction in traffic incidents, ultimately improving the quality of life for all road users in Fiji.
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