SUVA, Fiji (9th May 2025): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is intensifying its enforcement efforts against reckless and dangerous driving behaviours, reinforcing its commitment to public road safety. From January 2024 to April 2025, the Authority has cancelled 70 driver licences and suspended 48, following continued disregard of traffic regulations and failure to comply with repeated warnings.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa has issued a strong warning to all motorists, emphasising that persistent non-compliance with road safety measures will not be tolerated.
“Drivers must understand the serious consequences of reckless behaviour on our roads. The LTA will continue to act firmly against those who pose a threat to public safety. Continuous disregard for traffic laws will lead to licence cancellation or suspension,” Mr. Rokosawa said.
The move follows a concerning rise in incidents of unsafe driving, with more showcause hearings expected to take place this year. These proceedings are conducted to review cases where drivers have repeatedly failed to meet their responsibilities, despite undergoing disciplinary processes and counselling sessions.
“Every licence holder has a duty to uphold road safety. This means adhering to speed limits, following safety advisories on fatigue, and complying with all traffic regulations,” Mr. Rokosawa added.
To reach the point of licence suspension or cancellation, drivers undergo a staged disciplinary process. This includes initial counselling sessions at LTA branches to help drivers change their behaviour.
If the infractions continue, a series of three formal warnings are issued—first, second, and final—before more severe enforcement actions are taken.
In 2024, the LTA counselled 164 drivers, issued 1,751 first warnings, 366 second warnings, and 181 final warnings. Between January and mid-April 2025, 33 drivers received counselling, while 1,023 drivers were issued first warnings, 273 second warnings, and 153 final warnings.
“The LTA gives drivers every opportunity to change their behaviour. But when these opportunities are ignored and drivers continue to endanger lives, we must act decisively,” Mr. Rokosawa said.
Reckless driving behaviours flagged by the Authority as well as members of the public through social media and LTA’s official complaints platforms, include excessive speeding, improper overtaking and turning, dangerous and careless driving, and driving while fatigued—all of which significantly increase the risk of road crashes and fatalities.
As of 6th May 2025, the national road death toll stands at 18 compared to 19 during the same period last year – with speeding, improper overtaking and pedestrian at fault listed as the main causes of fatalities on our roads.
“Speeding remains the leading cause of fatalities, followed closely by dangerous driving and improper overtaking. These are avoidable tragedies, and the responsibility lies with each driver,” said Mr. Rokosawa.
“Driving is a privilege, not a right. When that privilege is abused, it endangers not only the driver but every other person on the road.”
The Authority continues to work closely with the Fiji Police Force and other stakeholders to carry out joint operations, awareness campaigns, and community outreach activities aimed at promoting responsible driving habits.
“Our road safety team remains active on the ground, delivering education and guidance communities, schools and organisations on road safety measures for drivers, pedestrians and passengers,” the CEO said.
Mr. Rokosawa is calling on all road users to take ownership of their actions behind the wheel and to make road safety a shared priority.
