SUVA, Fiji (25 October 2024): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Fiji Police Force signed the National Joint Operations Order for the festive season at the LTA Headquarters in Valelevu on Friday, 25 October 2024, marking the beginning of a critical collaboration aimed at enhancing road safety, curbing road fatalities, and enforcing strict adherence to road rules and regulations.
The signing of the joint operations order, including collaboration with municipal council officers, solidifies a coordinated approach to enforcement operations in response to the recent rise in road traffic accidents, which have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said the initiative came at a time when road safety had become a growing concern, especially as the festive season approaches. The joint operation will run from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, a period typically associated with an increase in road traffic due to holiday activities, family gatherings, and celebrations.
“The festive season brings about heightened risks on Fiji’s roads, as people travel more frequently and sometimes take unnecessary risks while driving. With road safety being a top priority, the joint operations order outlines comprehensive measures aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“The combined efforts of the LTA, Fiji Police Force, and municipal councils seek to minimise accidents and ensure public safety through deterrent enforcement and a No Drop Policy on high-risk offences.”
He said the recent increase in road traffic accidents and road fatalities had prompted swift action by the authorities, particularly against the top causes of fatalities – speeding, drink-driving, driver fatigue, as well as reckless driving behaviours.
The CEO said the collaboration between the LTA, Fiji Police Force, and municipal councils was a timely and necessary response to address the road fatalities and protect all road users.
“The festive season poses a significant challenge, with a notable rise in traffic due to holiday celebrations, family trips, and other social activities. Statistically, this period has seen an alarming number of road-related accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities in past years. As such, the joint operation’s main objective is to drastically reduce these incidents, with a bold goal of achieving zero fatalities by the end of the festive season,” he said.
Mr Rokosawa said the joint operation would be carried out through a series of enforcement activities, public education campaigns, and collaborative efforts between key stakeholders.
He said checkpoints, random vehicle inspections, and mobile patrols would be set up across high-risk areas throughout Fiji to ensure compliance with traffic laws and regulations.
Some key activities of the joint operation will include:
- Enforcement of Traffic Laws: The operation will focus on enforcing laws related to speeding, seatbelt usage, drink-driving, fatigue-driving, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
- Vehicle Roadworthiness Checks: Vehicles will undergo inspections for roadworthiness, including checks for non-conforming lights, dark tints, illegal modifications (such as free-flow mufflers), and any other violations.
- Illegal Operations: Private vehicles operating as public service vehicles (PSV) and PSVs failing to comply with permit conditions will face strict penalties.
- Heavy Goods Vehicle Inspections: Overloading of heavy goods vehicles is another focus area, with inspections and weighing to be conducted at checkpoints.
- Public Education Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns will run concurrently with enforcement operations to educate drivers and the general public about road safety. These campaigns will emphasize the importance of safe driving, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to traffic laws, with the aim of fostering a culture of responsibility and safety among all road users.
“We urge all road users to adhere to the rules and to remember that every choice you make behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences,” he said.
Mr Rokosawa said the joint operation demonstrated a commitment to working together to keep Fiji’s roads safe and to save lives.
