With 26 out of 43 road fatalities this year linked directly to speeding, the Land Transport Authority will begin deploying portable speed cameras across Fiji from tomorrow to tackle reckless driving and reduce road deaths.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa stressed that speeding remains Fiji’s biggest contributor to road fatalities, with the portable cameras aimed at encouraging consistent and responsible driving.
He confirmed that, following the completion of the verification and calibration process of the portable speed cameras with the Department of National Trade, Measurement and Standards, as well as training for enforcement officers, 12 portable speed cameras would be deployed across all three divisions from tomorrow.
He says four cameras would be deployed in the Central Division, five in the Western Division, and three in the Northern Division.
He adds that these cameras would be placed at random locations to ensure drivers are deterred from speeding at all times, not just at fixed or pre-announced spots.
The CEO says that, unlike traditional fixed cameras, portable cameras can operate 24/7, anywhere and at any time, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
He says they would serve as a constant reminder that traffic laws must be followed at all times.
He adds that the Authority would coordinate closely with the Fiji Police Force to ensure cameras are placed in high-risk and busy areas nationwide.
Rokosawa says road safety is a shared responsibility and is urging all road users, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau officially commissioned the nationwide rollout earlier this year, highlighting the Government’s strong commitment to improving road safety.
He says the speed cameras, both portable and fixed, are part of an overarching national strategy to enforce traffic laws and address the alarmingly high number of speeding-related deaths on our roads.
