The Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services is currently reviewing several significant policies, particularly those related to land transport, maritime safety, and waste management. Permanent Secretary Paula Baleilevuka provided insights during the ministry’s submissions on annual reports for financial years 2017/2018 and 2019/2020.
One of the primary focuses is the amendment of the Land Transport Act that has recently gained parliamentary approval. Baleilevuka indicated that one key change is to extend the provisional licensing period from one year to two years. This adjustment is based on data showing a high incidence of accidents involving newly licensed drivers within their first year.
Additionally, the review includes policies concerning bus routes—where temporary licenses may be granted to operational companies during periods when the original operator cannot serve certain routes.
Baleilevuka also addressed the maritime sector, where ongoing legislative developments under the purview of the Maritime Safety Authority are underway, reflecting a commitment to improving safety and operational efficacy in maritime activities.
These reviews are timely as Fiji continues to focus on enhancing road safety, especially given recent statistics from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) that emphasized the importance of strict enforcement of legislation to mitigate accidents. Notably, concerns around the number of traffic infringements and road safety campaigns have been echoed in previous discussions regarding the urgent need for comprehensive action to address challenges faced in transportation safety.
This proactive approach from the Ministry and the LTA demonstrates a commitment to not only respond to current challenges but also prevent future tragedies related to road and maritime safety. A collaborative effort toward improved public transport and safety regulations presents a hopeful outlook for the people of Fiji.
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