A total of 74 persons were charged for jaywalking by the Land Transport Authority and the Fiji Police Force between 7am and 12pm today.
Totogo City Police officer in command Senior Superintendent Luke Wainiu said both police and the LTA confronted angry pedestrians, some were surprised while others conceded fault when they were booked.
Forty (40) persons were fined $40 for breaching LTA Regulations 111 which is the failure of a pedestrian to comply with traffic controlled lights.
Thirty four (34) pedestrians that failed to use properly allocated crossings breached LTA Regulations 110 which amounts to the improper use of public streets and were fined $10.
Offenders have 21 days to pay their fines at any LTA office or face court action.
If cases go to court, the 40 persons, under LTA Regulations 111 can be liable to pay up to a maximum of $100 fine and for breaches of Regulations 110 up to a maximum of $200.
LTA chief executive officer Naisa Tuinaceva said that enough time had been given for awareness and the bookings would now serve as deterrence.
Bookings also serve to safeguard pedestrians and are strategically poised to reduce road fatalities – a significant number of which were jaywalkers.
“We appeal for support and understanding – we want people to appreciate and take ownership of this particular campaign,” Mr Tuinaceva said.
“We appeal to the public to share our vision, which is to drive Fiji safely and reduce fatalities.”
Despite the bookings, both police and LTA officers continue to carry out awareness with members of the public on jaywalking in all divisions.
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