Currently, under the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Act demerit points may be awarded to an offender in addition to being required to pay a fixed penalty fine.

This may soon change after a recommendation was made by the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in the Land Transport Industry Report handed over to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

“It was raised during the consultations that some LTA officers, without the proper weighing equipment, assumed the weight of vehicles and the drivers were fined accordingly. This is unlawful and invariably results in corrupt practices,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“Complaints were raised regarding the issuance of the Traffic Infringement Notices to employees who were acting on instructions of their employers. These employees were personally liable and penalties did not extend to their employers.

“It is recommended that there be a complete review of the penalty structure under the Act, including reducing the fixed penalty fines. It is also recommended that where a fixed penalty fine is paid, there should not be any demerit points imposed. Demerit points should be imposed by a court of law.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum recommended that where employees are driving vehicles which are defective or carrying excessive cargo, then the employers or the owners of the vehicles need to be issued with the Traffic Infringement Notice rather than the employees.

More public awareness has also been recommended.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj