$100 fines, towing in place for vehicles blocking bicycle lanes - Ro Filipe

Concerns over illegal parking in bicycle lanes along Queen Elizabeth Drive have been raised in Parliament, prompting clarification from the Government on enforcement measures currently in place.

Opposition Member of Parliament Virendra Lal questioned Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau on what mechanisms the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is using to address vehicles obstructing designated bicycle lanes in the busy corridor.

Tuisawau says it is outlined that enforcement is being carried out through a combination of regulatory controls, operational action and collaboration with the Fiji Police Force.

Tuisawau says they have increased penalties for illegal parking and stopping in
prohibited areas, with traffic infringement notices now set at $100 to reflect the seriousness of such offences.

He says vehicles found obstructing traffic flow, particularly within clearways and bicycle lanes, are subject to immediate towing and impoundment.

He says associated costs are borne by the registered owner.

Tuisawau adds that repeat or serious offenders may face further action, including possible suspension or cancellation of driving licences through due legal processes.

He also informed that the LTA conducts regular joint enforcement operations with police, focusing on high-risk areas such as Queen Elizabeth Drive.

He says these efforts are supported by mobile patrols and daily monitoring to ensure swift detection and response to violations.

Tuisawau says enforcement visibility in the area has been strengthened in light of ongoing concerns around illegal parking and unsafe driving behaviour.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to report incidents via SMS using code 582 or through official LTA communication channels.

It was reiterated that within designated clearway zones, stopping, parking or waiting is strictly prohibited at all times for all road users.

Further concerns were also raised regarding the use of Queen Elizabeth Drive by heavy goods vehicles as a shortcut through a densely populated area.

Tuisawau confirms that this issue is currently under assessment, alongside considerations for restrictions on heavy vehicles across specific corridors and at certain times.