THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued 8483 traffic infringement notices against private and commercial vehicles operating illegally as public service vehicles (PSVs) from 2023 to October this year, as calls for a crackdown on illegal transport operations grow amid concerns over passenger safety and unlicensed taxi services in Fiji.
LTA acting chief executive officer Makitalena Drova said the authority would continue working with the Fiji Police Force to identify offenders and ensure those operating outside the law faced consequences.
“Passenger safety must never be compromised,” she said.
She warned that illegal PSV operations undermine the laws and regulatory safeguards established to protect passengers.
She said enforcement measures included infringement notices, warnings, vehicle seizures and impoundments.
Ms Drova highlighted that the authority had also initiated show-cause proceedings against individuals involved in illegal operations with penalties under the LTA Act related regulations including fines of up to $2000.
Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) executive chairman Maritino Nemani has also called for stronger enforcement, particularly against illegal taxi operators using provisional licence holders to carry paying passengers.
“We recognise that some communities face genuine difficulties accessing reliable public transport,” he said.
“However, the solution cannot be to compromise passenger safety or allow unlicensed operators to disregard the requirements imposed on legitimate taxidrivers.”
He warned that allowing inexperienced drivers to transport paying passengers outside the regulated system could expose the public to unnecessary risks.
“By the time an accident victim requires compensation, the damage has already been done. No financial payment can undo a serious injury or bring back a life that has been lost.”
