The Fiji Police Force will launch a nationwide crackdown on reckless drivers after five people were killed on Fiji’s roads in just six days.
Director Traffic Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Mosese Waqalevu said the force, together with the Land Transport Authority, would roll out a National Joint Operation in October targeting speeding, drink driving and reckless overtaking.
“The Fiji police is currently providing coverage on our roads and we will be working with our stakeholders to address the issue,” ASP Waqalevu said.
“We also need the support of the community as drivers continue to disregard advice provided in terms of adhering to the traffic rules.”
He said police had the manpower to patrol highways, but road safety remained a shared responsibility.
“The biggest challenge encountered by the Fiji police is that despite the awareness, drivers continue to disregard the advice.
“They do not adhere to the traffic rules and put other road users at risk.”
The new operation will include radar checks for speeding and random breath tests for drunk drivers and will continue into the festive season.
ASP Waqalevu stressed families also had a role to play.
“Relatives must tell their loved ones not to drive when drunk and to drive within the speed limit.”
