SUVA, Fiji (8th August 2025): The Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Honourable Ro Filipe Tuisawau is reiterating the critical importance of public safety, particularly when operating public service vehicles (PSV), where the wellbeing of passengers and other road users must always remain a top priority.
Hon. Tuisawau expressed disappointment at the continued reckless behaviour of some drivers, following a serious accident along Uciwai Road in the Western Division yesterday, which involved a PSV minivan, where the driver allegedly attempted to overtake on a bend during wet weather conditions—ultimately failing to negotiate the curve and colliding with oncoming vehicles.
“Driving is a privilege—not a right. When that privilege is abused, we will not hesitate to take it away. This latest incident in the Western Division is a reminder of the dangerous outcomes of poor decision-making and failure to observe basic road safety rules,” Hon. Minister Tuisawau said.
“Drivers continue to disregard the responsibility that comes with holding a driver licence, risking not only their own safety but the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. For such incidents, LTA is working with Police to ensure any PSV driver found to be engaged in dangerous or reckless driving behaviours deemed risky to public safety will be taken to task.”
Since January 2024 to mid-July this year, a total of 38 PSV driver licences have been cancelled while a further 21 PSV driver licences have been suspended. For the same period, as many as 746 driver licence holders had been summoned by LTA for showcause proceedings due to habitual traffic offences and reckless driving behaviours.
“These measures were taken despite LTA conducting counselling sessions and issuing repeated warnings aimed at educating and encouraging behavioural change among drivers. If you choose not to change, we will act—because road safety must come first,” Hon. Tuisawau said.
Minister Tuisawau said some drivers continued to take risks on our roads—overtaking on bends, speeding during wet conditions, driving under the influence, ignoring seatbelt laws, and even driving while feeling fatigued.
He said LTA would continue to pursue its administrative powers to hold drivers accountable through its showcause proceedings.
During Parliament session this week, Hon. Tuisawau reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to safer and more professional public transport services.
He highlighted that from January 2024 to August 2025, over 1,700 Traffic Infringement Notices were issued, and more than 188 PSV drivers were summoned for showcause hearings.
“Through Defensive Driving Courses, operator engagement, and media outreach supported by the Land Transport Authority of Fiji and ACCF, the Ministry continues to strengthen discipline and accountability in the PSV sector,” the hon. minister emphasised.
He said the Code of Conduct for PSV operators was not just a set of rules; it reflected the safe, respectful and reliable service our communities deserve.
“All drivers need to seriously relook at their role in making roads safer. Every driver must understand the weight of responsibility they carry when behind the wheel. It is not enough to be skilled—drivers must also be sensible, respectful of road rules, and vigilant in adapting to road and weather conditions.
“We remind all motorists: road rules exist for a reason. They are designed to save lives. If you continue to disregard them, you not only risk losing your licence, which for some is their livelihood —but you risk causing irreversible harm.”
He said LTA would continue to work closely with the Fiji Police in strengthening joint enforcement operations against reckless and dangerous driving behaviours, monitoring high-risk areas and traffic management during adverse weather.
With increased movement anticipated this weekend for the Fiji Secondary Schools Deans Rugby competition in the Western Division, Hon. Tuisawau is urging all road users – drivers, passengers and pedestrians – to exercise heightened caution and vigilance while travelling to the games venues.
