$100 fine, towing for vehicles parking in bike lanes

Motorists caught parking or stopping in designated bicycle lanes on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Suva now face a $100 fine and immediate towing.

Also, the Government is assessing whether to ban heavy vehicles from the corridor altogether.

Minister for Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau told Parliament on Monday that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) had increased penalties for illegal parking in bicycle lanes and clearway zones to $100, with offending vehicles towed at the registered owner's expense.

"Heavy vehicles need to be restricted, so that is currently under assessment," Ro Filipe said, in response to a question from Opposition Member Virendra Lal on LTA enforcement along Queen Elizabeth Drive.

He said vehicles obstructing bicycle lanes faced immediate towing and impoundment, with all costs fully borne by the vehicle's owner. Repeat or serious offenders could face show cause proceedings, which may result in the suspension or cancellation of their driving licence.

The LTA also conducts regular joint enforcement operations with the Fiji Police Force along Queen Elizabeth Drive, using mobile patrols and daily monitoring to detect violations.

Members of the public can report illegal parking by sending an SMS to code 582 or through the LTA's official communication channels.

Ro Filipe said stopping, parking or waiting within designated urban clearway zones, which include bicycle lanes is strictly prohibited at all times and applies equally to all road users, including buses, carriers and private vehicles.

Queen Elizabeth Drive's bicycle lane was built to give cyclists a safe, dedicated space on one of Suva's busiest roads.