LTA and Police sign joint traffic enforcement order to boost road safety

The Land Transport Authority and the Fiji Police Force signed a Joint Traffic Enforcement Operations Order today, marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to improving road safety across Fiji.

LTA Chief Executive Officer, Irimaia Rokosawa says the timing of the operation is strategic, given the expected rise in traffic volumes associated with major school sporting competitions, national events, and increased inter-island and inter-city travel.

Rokosawa says the agreement formalises a strengthened enforcement partnership that will run throughout March and April, traditionally one of the busiest and highest-risk periods on the nation’s roads.

He says the operation will run in two phases the first, from 1st to the 31st of March 2026, will target illegal Public Service Vehicles and enforce bus e-ticketing compliance.

He adds the second phase, from 1st to the 30th of April, will focus on high-visibility enforcement across all major highways in every division.

The CEO says during these peak periods, drivers are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours, including speeding, reckless and careless driving, dangerous overtaking, vehicle overloading, fatigue, and impaired driving due to alcohol consumption.

Rokosawa also highlighted that through this coordinated initiative, they aim to curb these dangerous behaviours by combining three critical pillars: enforcement, public awareness, and community engagement.

He adds these measures will help reduce crashes, injuries, fatalities, and traffic offences, while promoting a culture of shared responsibility for road safety.

Rokosawa adds they continue to observe unacceptable behaviours, particularly among some PSV drivers, including overloading buses carrying schoolchildren, attempting to cross floodwaters, speeding, fatigue-related incidents, dangerous overtaking, and loss of vehicle control.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Kasiano Vusonilawe, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising teamwork, discipline, and safety during the two-month operation.

Vusonilawe says they are entering one of the busiest periods of the year, and their officers will be highly visible on the ground.

He says while committed to firm enforcement, they must prioritise safety in executing their duties.

Vusonilawe adds this partnership is about standing together, working as one team, and ensuring every officer carries out their duty professionally and returns home safely.