756 vehicle accidents involving government-owned and leased vehicles occurred between January 2023 and February 2025, costing an estimated $7,146,267.13 in repairs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad revealed this to Parliament through a written response to a question that was filed.
Prof Prasad said leased vehicles, all insured, incurred $566,150.01 in insurance excess, recoverable from negligent drivers via surcharges advised by the Solicitor General.
During this period, 2,330 authorised drivers were onboarded, including 2,084 Fiji Police Force officers.
143 new drivers were involved in accidents.
“Surcharges totaling $203,362.48 were imposed, with $122,182.06 for 119 leased vehicle accidents and $81,180.42 for 12 government-owned vehicle accidents,” he said.
The Surcharge Unit processed 131 cases, recovering $125,992.69 through salary deductions.
Insurance companies approved the write-off of 56 leased vehicles, with repair costs estimated at $2.75 million.
Drivers paid $56,300.00 in insurance excess through surcharges.
The government aims to enhance accountability and road safety to address these incidents.
