The Land Transport Authority of Fiji or LTA has cancelled a total of 62 driver’s licences, and suspended an additional 21 – from January to the 9th of December this year.

This is part of the Authority’s commitment to road safety, taking decisive action against reckless drivers involved in accidents.

LTA Chief Executive Officer – Irimaia Rokosawa says, 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.

Rokosawa says these sessions were part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to educate drivers about their responsibilities, and deter unsafe driving practices.

“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.”

In addition to these measures, the CEO says 39 client IDs had been put ‘on hold’ – due to severe violations, while one cased had been referred for audit.

The Authority is currently engaged in joint enforcement operations with the Fiji Police Force and municipal councils throughout this festive season, targeting high-risk accident-prone areas, around the country.

“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.”

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.