At least $1.3 million has been invested by the Land Transport Authority in the speed cameras which are being installed around the country.

LTA chief executive, Naisa Tuinaceva, confirmed this in response to questions from the Fiji Sun.

The speed cameras along Queens Road between Sigatoka and Lautoka are the first phase of installation and will go live towards the end of next month.

Then there is second phase which will target Lautoka and Nausori on the Kings Road.

Mr Tuinaceva said this second phase speed cameras will come into effect towards the end of the year.

“LTA continues to focus on its vision of steering Fiji safely and that is the purpose of the cameras,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Tuinaceva further clarified the flashing of speed cameras along the Queens Road which will become active end of next month.

He said these are being tested at the moment in preparation for certification by Weight and Measurements before the implementation.

He further confirmed there will be an official announcement made before the speed cameras go live so motorists become aware.

The only speed cameras presently active are in Kinoya, Nabua and Samabua (inbound towards Central Suva) with an additional two portable speed cameras being used by LTA.

How the new system will work

As many motorists would have noted, the LTA is setting up 13 speed cameras on Queens Road corridor.

However, once these go live, only six could be active on any one day and the rest would be dummy cameras.

LTA says they will be changed so there will be no way to know which camera is active and which is not.

The target will be illegal driving, especially speeding and overtaking.

Motorist concerns and

LTA reaction

Motorists have raised concerns about the locations of these speed cameras. It has been highlighted these have been installed on straight stretches where motorists could safely overtake slower vehicles.

Concerns have also been raised over motorists who drive at speed way below the limit causing frustration to other drivers and how this would now lead to motorists overtaking at risky places.

Mr Tuinaceva said what is paramount for LTA is ensuring road safety. He said slower or faster drivers come under Police enforcements.

“Please be aware that part of LTA’s purpose is focused on registration, licenses, and roadworthiness,” he said.

“Anything that has to do with illegal driving on the road is the responsibility of the Police.”

When asked about how many accidents have occurred in the zones where the speed cameras have been put up, Mr Tuinaceva said this information must come from the Police.

Suggestions have been made to increase national speed limit from 80km/h to 100km/h.

But Mr Tuinaceva said any decision to increase speed limited will have to be made by the Government.

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