LTA cancels licences of 8 drivers after fatal accidents

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has cancelled the driver’s licences of eight individuals involved in fatal accidents.

This includes the licence of a 21-year-old truck driver responsible for last week’s tragic crash along Princes Road in Tacirua, which claimed the life of a 13-year-old student.

LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa confirmed the individuals were summoned for showcause proceedings under Regulation 30 of the Land Transport (Driver) Regulations 2000.

“The 21-year-old truck driver, who was driving with an expired Learners Permit at the time of the accident, has had his licence cancelled for five years due to the severity of the incident,” said Mr Rokosawa.

Warninig

He warned that the action served as a clear message to all drivers about the consequences of reckless driving.

“This is a lesson for all licence holders – whether Learners, Provisional, or Full Licence holders. You must adhere to your licence conditions. Disregarding road safety rules puts the lives of all road users at risk,” he said.

“The authority has zero tolerance for reckless driving, and we will take swift action against those who endanger lives on our roads.”

The fatal accident in Tacirua last week, highlighted the growing concern over reckless driving.

Mr Rokosawa also emphasised that safe driving was not only a personal responsibility but a social obligation.

“One moment of negligence can cause irreparable harm,” he warned.

Collaboration

LTA is now collaborating with the Fiji Police Force to criminalise repeated traffic offenders and to revise existing traffic regulations.

Mr Rokosawa pointed out that under Section 268 (a) of the Crimes Act 2009, driving in a rash or negligent manner is a summary offence, punishable by up to two years of imprisonment.

“We will continue our showcause proceedings against drivers who exhibit blatant disregard for road safety. It is concerning to see fatal accidents caused by individuals driving without a valid driver’s licence,” he said.

“We will not tolerate this behaviour, especially when lives are at risk.”

The cancellation of the truck driver’s licence, along with others, is part of a broader effort to combat reckless driving, which has been linked to rising accidents from speeding, inattention, and negligence. Recent statistics have shown a worrying trend in road fatalities, prompting urgent action from the authority.

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