Speed Hump Hassle

Drivers are avoiding the speed humps installed along Queen Elizabeth Drive in Suva, with some swerving into the opposite lane and oncoming traffic, putting the safety of other drivers at risk.

A video circulating on Facebook yesterday showed a vehicle driving into the opposite lane on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Suva to avoid a speed hump, narrowly missing an oncoming vehicle. This happened in front of the State House for the President.

Some comments under the video indicated that drivers may have been avoiding the speed humps due to “nails” or “bolts” protruding from the humps.

Opposition Member of Parliament Ketan Lal earlier this week raised concerns about these bolts, calling them a “serious safety hazard” and “negligence” on the part of Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).

In response to emailed queries, FRA said “the issue had been resolved and rectified”, after excess bolts were trimmed, leaving a flatter surface.

“All bolts were properly installed on Monday night, with all excess bolt threads trimmed. The safety hazard has been resolved,” an FRA spokesperson told this masthead.

One commenter on the video, Michael Fong, told Fiji Sun he avoided the speed humps, often waiting for the opposite lane to clear before driving across.

“On Wednesday at about 4pm, a Nasese Bus almost rammed into my vehicle in my lane because it was avoiding the humps,” he said.

Land Transport Authority (LTA) said it would provide a response on the issue at a later time.

FRA is responsible for installing and maintaining speed control measures, such as speed humps, in areas where speeding could be a concern. So far, the bright yellow speed humps positioned across Queen Elizabeth Drive are slowing traffic in the area and regarded as not safe to many motorists.

Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj