The Land Transport Authority (LTA) faces criticism for failing to comply with a court ruling that mandated the return of a Traffic Infringement Notice fine to a business.
Abdul Wahab, operating as Colormix and Hardware Supplies in Labasa, was penalized for exceeding weight limits. However, on October 24, 2023, the Magistrate’s Court in Labasa acquitted the business, stating there was no case to answer.
Justice Lee James Burney emphasized the importance of statutory authorities adhering to binding court orders in his ruling on October 8. He noted that the Resident Magistrate had ordered the fine to be refunded within 14 days, yet nearly a year has passed without the refund being processed.
Furthermore, Justice Burney remarked on the LTA’s inaction, indicating that instead of appealing the ruling promptly, the authority waited for almost six months before filing an inappropriate challenge to the ruling. He concluded that the refund must be processed without any further delay.