LTA impounds 175 vehicles

The Land Transport Authority has impounded a total of 175 vehicles Fiji wide in its Joint Operation with the Fiji Police Force as of last night.

LTA's Media Liaison Officer Dorine Narayan said since the Operation started Tuesday morning, 555 drivers were booked for various traffic offences.

She said 293 drivers were booked yesterday with 53 vehicles impounded while 262 drivers were booked on Tuesday and 122 vehicles were impounded nationwide.

Meanwhile, Concerns are now being raised by members of the public who own vans as to the way they are being stopped by LTA Officials.

Lautoka resident, Praveen Chandra said there are instances where the officers stop vans on a busy road and demand that identification be given.

Chandra said people are left stranded as there are no other forms of transportation available and people are now afraid to car pool.

However, LTA Spokesperson Eroni Volavola said the Operation currently underway is to ensure that there are no private cars used as hire vehicles and their officers have been told to stop and ask passengers if they pay for the run.

He stressed that the concerns being raised by the car owners is just because they have lost a way of earning extra cash even though it is an illegal money making process.