SUVA, Fiji (11.12.24): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Fiji has cancelled the driver licences for eight individuals involved in fatal accidents, including the 21-year-old truck driver involved in the tragic accident last week along Princes Road in Tacirua that claimed the life of a 13-year-old student.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said eight individuals who were summoned for showcause proceedings pursuant to Regulation 30 of the Land Transport (Driver) Regulations 2000 have had their driver licences cancelled.
Mr Rokosawa said LTA was also in discussions with the Fiji Police Force to criminalise repeated traffic offenders and revise other traffic-related regulations.
He says under Section 268(a) of the Crimes Act 2009, it is a summary offence to drive a vehicle in a rash or negligent manner that endangers human life or is likely to cause harm to others. The penalty for such an offence is imprisonment for up to two years.
“The 21-year-old truck driver – who held an expired Learners Permit at the time of the incident in Tacirua – has had his licence cancelled for five years because of the severity of the accident,” he said.
“This is a lesson for all those with driver licences – whether it’s a Learners Permit, Provisional or Full Licence holders – you must uphold and adhere to your licence conditions. When you choose to disregard these road safety rules and regulations, you choose to endanger the lives of all road users.
“The Authority has zero tolerance for reckless driving. This swift action to cancel the driver licence for the 21-year-old individual sends a clear message that we will not hesitate to act against those who endanger lives on our roads.”
The CEO said safe driving was not just a personal responsibility but a social obligation and one moment of negligence could cause irreparable harm.
“The Authority will continue its showcause proceedings against drivers who continue to show blatant disregard for road safety measures and traffic regulations. It is also a concern to see some fatal accidents caused by individuals driving without a valid driver licence. We reiterate our stance, that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour and irresponsible behaviour especially when lives are at risk,” Mr Rokosawa said.
He said the cancellation of the truck driver’s licence and others was part of a broader initiative to address reckless and careless driving, particularly when recent statistics show a worrying trend of accidents caused by speeding, lack of attention, and other forms of negligence.
“We are continuously working in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force and other stakeholders to identify high-risk behaviours and take necessary action. This includes routine inspections, speed checks, and stringent penalties for traffic infringements,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“The LTA is urging all drivers to reflect on their driving habits and prioritise safety. Reckless behaviours such as speeding, overtaking on blind corners, drink driving, fatigue and using mobile communication while driving are major contributors to accidents on Fiji’s roads.
“We continue to urge all drivers who choose to disregard road safety measures and traffic regulations. Lives are at risk when you choose to engage in careless driving behaviours. Every life on our roads matters. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, everyone deserves to feel safe on our roads.”
Mr Rokosawa said a change in mindset and attitudes was vital to ensuring the safety of all Fijians on our roads this festive season.
He said it was disappointing to see some drivers, pedestrians and passengers behaving irresponsibly – the result of their choices to flout road safety regulations was innocent lives lost on our roads.
The current death toll is 61 (as of 11 December 2024) compared to 76 for the same period last year.
