The Fiji Police Force, in conjunction with the Labasa Town Council, has clarified the situation regarding fines issued to fish vendors for illegal parking in Labasa. The area in question is owned by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and has never been officially designated for vendor parking. This statement follows a report from FBC News where vendors expressed their frustration over the $100 fines, which they claim have added financial pressure and hindered customer access to the Labasa Fish Market.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu emphasized that the enforcement of the parking regulations is lawful. “That place is allocated to FSC and at no time was it allocated to vendors. The manager for FSC has already clarified the issue. There were signs placed by FSC, which were removed by the vendors. That space belongs to FSC,” he stated, underscoring the legal basis for issuing the fines under the Land Transport Act and the Land Transport (Traffic) Regulations 2000. He explained that vehicles parked within 18 meters of a railway crossing are in violation of the law, which applies to the fish market area.
Additionally, Sergeant Bautolu noted that the area has seen an increase in illegal private vehicle operations acting as taxis, which has necessitated stricter enforcement of parking regulations due to safety concerns.
The Labasa Town Council acknowledged that while the area is owned by FSC and was initially closed off, there existed a verbal agreement allowing fish vendors to temporarily use the space for drop-off and pick-up only. However, due to escalating unauthorized use by private vehicles, the arrangement has become untenable.
Vendors like Jitendra Kumar expressed their frustration, stating they were unaware of any changes to the parking arrangements and believed the area had been approved for market use. Fellow vendor Rashma Ram added that as active participants in the market, they continue to pay council fees and should be afforded a designated parking area.
This situation reflects the broader challenges that markets face as they strive to balance regulations with the needs of local vendors, indicating a need for improved communication and a reevaluation of vendor arrangements to support their livelihoods while ensuring public safety.
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