LTA to monitor urban clearways to ensure regulations are followed

The Land Transport Authority says they will be patrolling the Urban Clearways for unmarked vehicles to ensure that the regulations are being complied with.

This restriction will prevent all vehicles (except buses at designated bus bays) from stopping, picking up, dropping off and parking during peak traffic periods in both directions.

The Fiji Roads Authority has recently announced the phased introduction of “Urban Clearways” in Suva City and surroundings areas or districts.

LTA says the potential consequences of ignoring or breaching the Urban Clearway Regulations are, Traffic Infringement Notices issued, Vehicle Impounding where an obstruction is caused and Towing Charges – an obstructing vehicle will be towed away and you will be liable for the costs.

LTA says new signage and road markings will begin appearing in the next few days delineating the roads covered by the Clearway Regulations.

They are reminding motorists that within an Urban Clearway they may not stop, park or wait when the Clearway is in operation, this includes taxis picking up or setting down passengers.

The picking up or setting down of passengers will have to be undertaken on side roads leading off the Urban Clearways.

The Fiji Roads Authority had earlier said that a clearway traffic management restriction will be placed on the kerbside lane of strategically important roads around Suva from 5am, Monday 8th July 2019.

The peak periods for clearway restrictions are from 6:30am to 9:30am and then from 4pm to 6.30pm.

FRA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Moore says this restriction will prevent all vehicles (except buses at designated bus bays) from stopping, picking up, dropping off and parking during peak traffic periods in both directions.

Moore says the FRA will be working with schools along these routes to designate specific drop off/pick up zones. They will be marking the clearways with a dashed yellow line, in addition to sign posts and it will be illegal to drop off and pick up passengers when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights or in stationary traffic.

The first implementation Stage 1 is the McGregor – Bau – Rewa Street route.

This will be implemented from 5am, Monday 8th July.

He says these restrictions will allow the full width of the road corridor to be available during the heaviest periods of traffic congestion.

Moore says if the restrictions are not adhered to, a fine will be issued to the driver of the vehicle.

He says clearways are also tow away zones, hence any vehicle parked in a clearway will be towed and a fine will be issued.

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