The Land Transport Authority had registered 110,763 vehicles last year.

Statistics revealed that in 2001, 60,071 vehicles were registered and the number steadily increased last year to 110,763.

2016 registration included 72 per cent for newprivate vehicles; 16 per cent were for commercial vehicles; 10 per cent for public service vehicles while two per cent was for Government, diplomatic and driving schools.

“The total number of new registrationsin 2016 was 15,196 with 4969 new vehicle registrations and 10,227 second-hand registrations with growth rate approximately 10 per cent,” LTA chief executive officer, Carmine Piantedosi said.

Mr Piantedosi said the LTA would continue to monitor, assess and report on the registration of vehicles and provide information to Government for planning purposes.

“Carpooling is a legitimate option to encourage travellers to share the ride and reduce congestion. Carpooling is not to be confused with the illegal soliciting of fares by illegal operators,” he said.

“The increasing number of vehicles is proving a challenge for the Fiji Roads Authority as it maintains the country’s road network system through the widening of roads to cater for the number of cars that use our roads and to ease traffic congestion,” MrPiantedosi said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said officers were deployed at strategic points during peak hours to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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