The robust enforcement operations and comprehensive road safety education and awareness campaigns over the past few months have seen a substantial decrease in road fatalities by 45 per cent as of 6th June 2024.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau who says the current statistics reveal a total of 23 road fatalities as of 6th June 2024 compared to 42 for the same period last year.
Ro Filipe says the coordinated efforts of the Land Transport Authority, Fiji Police Force, and stakeholders have played a crucial role in this reduction, alongside the strategic use of show cause hearings to address frequent and habitual offenders on our roads.
He says from the 1st of August 2023 to the 1st of June 2024, the LTA has counselled 58 drivers, issued 1,206 warning letters to drivers and 45 final warnings from showcause, suspended 13 driver licences and cancelled 112 driver licences.
He adds this is in comparison to the period of 1st August 2022 to 31st July 2023 where LTA counselled 284 drivers, issued 2,217 warning letters to drivers, and cancelled and suspended 42 driver licences.
Despite the progress, Ro Filipe says speeding continued to be a major concern, followed by drunk driving, pedestrians at fault, dangerous driving, passengers at fault incidents, and hit-and-run cases.
He says the substantial decrease in road fatalities can be attributed to several strategic initiatives undertaken by the LTA and the Fiji Police Force, supported by various stakeholders.
Ro Filipe says these efforts have been instrumental in fostering a safer road environment across the nation.
He says these initiatives include rigorous 24-hour joint enforcement operations between LTA and Police, which are designed to ensure strict compliance with road safety rules and standards, significantly reducing traffic violations and accidents.
