Despite Fiji having more than 6,000 kilometres of roads, traffic congestion remains a growing concern, particularly along major urban corridors.
Land Transport Authority Chairman Lui Naisara says the problem is not a lack of road space, but the uneven concentration of vehicles and the need for better transport management systems.
He says congestion is mainly seen on urban routes such as the Suva–Nausori corridor, where traffic volumes far exceed those in other areas.
He adds that improvements have already been recorded in some locations, where traffic flow has improved through lane reallocation and curbside access changes, without the need to widen roads.
Naisara stresses that road expansion alone is not sustainable due to competing land uses such as buildings, sewer systems and utilities.
He says Fiji must instead adopt an integrated transport approach, aligning infrastructure planning with land use, policy, and technology
Naisara says the issue of limiting vehicle imports remains open, with no clear national benchmark in place.
He warns that while such measures are possible, they could affect economic growth and limit household mobility.
He adds that car ownership has shifted from being a luxury to almost a necessity for many Fijians.
@fijivillage.com Traffic congestion a major concern in urban areas - LTA Chair
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