A nationwide operation targeting public transport safety is officially underway as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) collaborates with the Fiji Police Force to enforce stricter regulations. The Joint Enforcement Order, which takes effect from today and will run until July 31, 2025, aims to enhance the accountability of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), including buses, taxis, minivans, and carriers, focusing on driver conduct and adherence to road safety laws.
The initiative arises from a notable increase in road accidents involving PSV operators, prompting LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa to emphasize a zero-tolerance stance on negligent and reckless driving. “This is not business as usual,” he stated, underscoring the importance of road safety, particularly during adverse conditions that can exacerbate the risks.
The operation will include random vehicle inspections, mobile patrols, and checkpoints in high-risk areas across the Central-Eastern, Western, and Northern divisions. Drivers violating safety regulations may face severe penalties, including suspension or cancellation of their driving licenses through formal show cause proceedings.
Rokosawa is also urging the public to actively participate in this safety campaign by reporting unsafe driving behaviors through social media or official complaint channels. This collaboration signals a proactive and communal effort to ensure safer roads for everyone.
This initiative echoes previous enforcement measures that highlighted the necessity for compliance with traffic laws, particularly during busy travel times such as the festive season. Earlier reports indicated a concerning trend in road incidents, emphasizing the community’s collective responsibility for road safety.
Encouragingly, the focus on enforcement and public awareness is positioned as a hopeful step towards decreasing accidents and fostering a culture of accountability among drivers. The hope remains that these efforts will lead to a notable decline in road fatalities, contributing to safer journeys for all road users in Fiji.
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