The Land Transport Authority has received reports from Road Safety Officers that they are often harassed by members of the public while conducting their duties.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said their teams often received rude remarks, curse words, and even threats of physical violence.

He urged members of the public to please act with courtesy and kindness towards LTA teams at all times.

“Our officers have raised concerns that passengers have been harassing them as they try to conduct their duties, especially when it comes to monitoring PSVs and validating passenger e-ticketing passes onboard buses,” Mr Rokosawa said.

“This is not the kind of behaviour that we, as Fijians, should be engaging in,” he said.

“Our officers are simply trying to do the work that they have been mandated to do, which is primarily to enforce the regulations that help keep our roads safe.”

Mr Rokosawa said all LTA staff go through special training sessions on how to interact with customers and how to work with professionalism at all times.

“I would like to remind the general public that aside from being an LTA staff member, our teams are human beings as well – they are someone’s parent, grandparent, or child – and I am sure no one would appreciate being spoken to in a rude way, especially if they are just trying to do their jobs.

“At the same time, we want the public to know that we take complaints against our staff from customers very seriously and investigate all claims of misconduct. If necessary, the appropriate disciplinary actions will then follow.”

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