The Land Transport Authority has recalled its directive to the Fiji Road Haulers Association for the installation of GPS tracking system in all its haulage vehicles by September 14.

It comes after concerns were raised by the association saying they were caught off guard by the letter dated September 1.

Association president Hector Smith said there was no consultation on the move in the letter sent to them on September 2.

“We have always worked with authorities and would welcome consultations on the matter,” Mr Smith said.

“It was quite a surprise that we got a letter on September 2, 2020 and it tells us to comply within 12 days.”

However, yesterday afternoon, LTA issued another letter saying the directive was on hold.

Background

On September 1, 2020, LTA chief executive officer Samuel Simpson, in a letter to the Fiji Road Haulers Association, said all overloading exemption permits would have an additional condition.

“All vehicles (Specialised Vehicles, Prime Movers and Trailers) that either have a current valid exemption permit or is intended for renewal for application or renewal for exemption in the future must have fitted and continuously working a GPS tracking system which is activated all the time,” said the letter.

“The GPS data must be shared with the Land Transport Authority and the Fiji Roads Authority to enable continuous tracking of the vehicle while on the Fiji Highway network.

All valid permits would be deemed void if after September 14, 2020 the vehicles did not have an active GPS tracking system, it added.

Questions were sent to LTA.

LTA responded that the email was forwarded to the chief executive officer and public relations company, Vatis.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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