More speed cameras to curb speeding, road deaths

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) operates 14 fixed speed cameras across 31 sites, with 12 new portable speed camera units acquired within the last year to deter speeding and improve road safety.

Minister for Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau told Parliament last Friday that speed cameras, both portable and fixed, are part of an overarching national strategy to enforce traffic laws and address the alarmingly high number of speeding-related deaths on Fijian roads.

Out of the 12 new portable speed camera units procured, one is currently operational in the field.

Traffic jam at Tamavua-i-Wai road.

"The remaining 11 are currently undergoing a verification and calibration process with the Department of National Trade, Measurement and Standards," the Minister said.

"Upon completion of this process, these units will be progressively deployed to locations identified as high risk across the country."

In 2024, 169,769 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) in total were issued, up from the 143,577 issued in the previous year.

As of 2025, 118,699 TINs have been issued. Of these, 12,603 were issued through the use of portable speed cameras.

"This steady increase is indicative not only of enhanced enforcement through technological means, but also of a sustained effort by the authorities to curb speeding and encourage behavioural change on our roads," Ro Filipe said, adding that fixed and portable speed cameras each served an important purpose.

"Whilst speed cameras remain critical in monitoring high-risk zones, the allocations are well known and static, resulting in reduced deterrent effect over time. Drivers often slow down near fixed units and then resume speeding shortly after.

"On the other hand, portable cameras are mobile, discrete and adaptable, allowing enforcement officers to respond swiftly to complaints from the public, target emerging black spots and cover wide areas."

Ro Filipe added that funding was allocated in the 2025-2026 national budget to acquire five more portable speed cameras in response to the high number of road deaths.

As of August 4 2025, there have been 39 road fatalities, with 23 related to speeding.

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