SUVA, Fiji (31 January 2025): SUVA, Fiji: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is taking a firm stand against speeding and reckless driving by live testing portable speed cameras across Fiji. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s broader commitment to reducing road fatalities and accidents and is a direct response to the ongoing dangers posed by drivers who disregard traffic laws and put lives at risk.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa also warned that the Authority would not hesitate to take these offenders to task, initiating showcause proceedings that could lead to the suspension or cancellation of their driver’s licences.
He said the Authority would also explore legal avenues to criminalise repeat offenders who persistently disregard traffic regulations, endangering the lives of all road users.
“Last year, Fiji recorded 66 fatalities, marking a slight improvement from the 78 lives lost in 2023. However, these numbers remain unacceptably high, with speeding accounting for approximately 40 per cent of all fatalities in 2024. The deployment of these cameras will significantly enhance LTA’s ability to monitor and enforce speed limits, especially in high-risk areas identified as accident-prone zones,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“This new measure is part of the Ministry and the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety and protect all road users. Deploying portable speed cameras across Fiji’s roads ensures that the Authority maintains a consistent enforcement presence. This will compel drivers to adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly.
“Speeding and reckless driving continue to be the leading causes of road accidents. These portable cameras will allow our enforcement officers to monitor speed violations more flexibly and effectively, ultimately curbing dangerous driving habits.”
He said the portable cameras were not merely punitive but are a strong deterrent to unsafe driving practices and that enforcement officers would be on the roads 24/7, at any time and location, ensuring a constant presence to discourage speeding.
“Motorists can expect to see cameras in both expected and unexpected locations, reinforcing the message that speeding will not be tolerated anywhere in the country. These cameras will be deployed strategically, ensuring that no reckless driver goes unchecked. The goal is to create a deterrent effect that fosters responsible driving,” Mr Rokosawa said.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, he said the portable speed cameras could capture and record vehicle speeds in real-time, and function effectively under all lighting conditions, including low-light environments at night, ensuring that speed violations are recorded with precision.
Data collected would also assist the Authority in identifying speeding trends and implement targeted enforcement action where necessary, contributing to a sustained reduction in accidents and fatalities.
“The information gathered will also allow us to analyse high-risk areas and implement additional road safety interventions such as targeted awareness campaigns,” Mr. Rokosawa said.
“Beyond enforcement, LTA is also focusing on community engagement and driver education. The portable speed cameras will complement ongoing public education campaigns designed to instill a culture of responsible driving.
“We are not just about enforcement; we are about changing driver behaviour. While these cameras will ensure compliance, our broader goal is to encourage all road users to respect speed limits and drive responsibly.”
He expressed appreciation to the Government for its budgetary provisions and support in efforts to reduce road fatalities and accidents.
“While some may view this as stricter enforcement, our foremost priority is saving lives. It is crucial for every road user to recognise that adhering to speed limits is essential—not only for their own safety but also for the well-being of passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists,” Mr Rokosawa said.
The live testing of portable speed cameras has commenced in the Central Division, with implementation in other regions expected to follow.
