SUVA, Fiji (13 December 2024): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Fiji has intensified its commitment to road safety, taking decisive action against reckless drivers involved in accidents. From January to 9 December 2024, the Authority has so far cancelled 62 driver licences and suspended an additional 21.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said 107 counselling sessions were also held across various LTA branches for individuals engaged in irresponsible driving behaviours, where a total of 1,366 first warnings, 297 second warnings, and 155 final warnings were issued.
Mr Rokosawa said these sessions were part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to educate drivers about their responsibilities and deter unsafe driving practices.
In addition to these measures, the CEO said 39 client IDs had been put on hold due to severe violations while one cased had been referred for audit.
“These measures highlight LTA’s zero-tolerance approach to misconduct within our system. We are committed to ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone. We have taken firm actions now and will not hesitate to cancel more licences if drivers continue to disobey the law and put lives at risk,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“The Authority’s actions are not merely punitive but are rooted in a broader goal of saving lives and preventing accidents. We can significantly reduce the number of preventable traffic-related incidents by holding offenders accountable and removing dangerous drivers from the road.
“This is not just about penalties. Every licence we cancel or suspend is one less potential threat on the road. We want every driver to understand the immense responsibility they have, not just to themselves, but to everyone who shares the road with them.”
The Authority is currently engaged in joint enforcement operations with the Fiji Police Force and municipal councils throughout the festive season, targeting high-risk accident-prone areas around the country.
Mr Rokosawa said the joint collaboration with stakeholders aimed to strengthen enforcement and compliance measures.
“We believe that public involvement is crucial to saving lives on our roads. Road safety is not solely the responsibility of the LTA or law enforcement—it is something each of us must take seriously,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to play their part in making our roads safer for all users, especially drivers to adopt proactive measures to adhere to traffic laws and prioritise safety.”
The Authority’s road safety education awareness and public outreach programmes were designed to address the increasing number of accidents and fatalities on Fiji’s roads, which are often caused by reckless driving, speeding, drink-driving, and other dangerous behaviours.
According to Mr Rokosawa, the growing number of drivers on Fiji’s roads calls for proactive measures to prevent further loss of life and reduce the impact of road accidents.
“As more people take to the roads each year, the LTA is working tirelessly to protect lives and minimize the devastating effects of road accidents,” he said.
“Our approach involves a combination of enforcement, education, and collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure road safety rules are strictly followed. Through continuous education, stricter penalties, and ongoing public awareness campaigns, we aim to instill a deep sense of accountability in every driver.”
Mr Rokosawa said the Authority’s efforts to cancel licences, issue warnings, and suspend repeat offenders were part of a larger, holistic strategy to create safer roads.
