"This is to reiterate that as Minister responsible, I emphasise that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is taking decisive action to ensure road safety and hold drivers accountable for flouting traffic laws, freezing client IDs of 238 individuals pending showcause proceedings for reckless driving and engaging in conduct deemed risky to public safety."
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, said careless and reckless driving had contributed to a recent spate of avoidable accidents.
“The root cause of many road fatalities lies in behavioural-related offences. Individuals are choosing to get behind the wheel while intoxicated and engaging in risky conduct that endangers the lives of others. This blatant disregard for road safety measures, traffic regulations, and human life will not be tolerated,” he said.
“From January to 17 December this year, the LTA has already cancelled 62 driver licences and suspended an additional 26. These measures underline our commitment to removing drivers who pose a risk to public safety from our roads.”
Minister Tuisawau highlighted the ministry’s serious approach to addressing these issues, calling on all drivers to make responsible choices. He said it was disheartening to witness the tragic loss of innocent lives due to reckless driving behaviours that were preventable. As of 17 December 2024, the national road death toll stands at 63, a slight decrease compared to 76 during the same period last year.
“This reduction is no cause for complacency. Speeding and drink driving remain the leading causes of road fatalities in 2024, followed by incidents involving pedestrians at fault and careless driving. These are all avoidable if drivers adhere to road safety measures and regulations,” Minister Tuisawau said.
To address these challenges, Minister Tuisawau said the LTA had been working on multiple fronts through showcause proceedings to determine whether offending drivers should have their licences cancelled or suspended, based on the gravity of their offences.
“Counselling sessions are being held at LTA’s regional offices to educate drivers about their responsibilities. These sessions aim to deter unsafe driving practices and foster a culture of accountability on our roads.”
Minister Tuisawau said joint enforcement officers were also participating in workshops alongside the Fiji Police Force and other key stakeholders aimed at revamping operational strategies, targeting high-risk areas (black spots), and increase night operations for enhanced road monitoring.
“The lives of innocent people are being cut short due to the irresponsible actions of a few. Our efforts are not only about enforcement but also about education and prevention. We want to ensure that drivers understand the impact of their decisions and the importance of adhering to the law,” he added.
Hon. Tuisawau said the Authority would also provide Fiji Police with a list of suspended and cancelled licences. This step would enable authorities to closely monitor individuals who may attempt to drive despite their suspension or cancellation, ensuring stricter compliance and enforcement.
In addition to these measures, Minister Tuisawau said LTA and the Accident CompensationCommission Fiji had partnered with Fiji Rugby Union to advance its road safety awareness effortsand public outreach, leveraging the immense influence of rugby players and FRU’s wide-reachingplatform to advocate for responsible road use among drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
The partnership will include a series of targeted campaigns featuring Fiji’s iconic rugby players as roadsafety ambassadors.