Taxi drivers warned: Switching off meters is against the law

Taxi drivers who switch off their meters while transporting passengers are breaking the law, warns Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.

Mr Turaga reminded Ovalau residents last night following concerns raised during the Fijian Media Association Levuka Town Hall meeting.

The issue was raised by Nukutocia resident Amena Bola, who claimed taxi drivers on Ovalau often failed to use their meters despite taxis being fitted with them.

“Taxi in Ovalau has a meter but taxi drivers do not turn it on when people get in to be transported,” she said.

A representative of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) at the meeting confirmed that taxi drivers were legally required to operate the meter throughout every trip.

“Taxis are supposed to have their meter on. We have referred the matter to police and they are supposed to have their meter on,” the representative said.

“No matter how long the route may be, the meter must be on.”

Mr Turaga reinforced the point, saying the practice was unlawful.

“It is illegal to turn off the meter when taking passengers. That is for the information of the people of Ovalau,” he said.