THE Land Transport Authority is in the process of finalising regulations that will govern the administration of random drug tests on public service vehicle license holders.
Responding to concerns raised about the use of drugs by taxi operators working long hours, LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said these regulations were crucial to ensuring the authority’s responsibilities and powers regarding the enforcement of random drug testing were clearly defined and prescriptive.
“This is essential so that any enforcement action taken will have the legal mandate similar to drunk driving which is governed by the Land Transport (Breath Test and Analysis) Regulations 2000.
“The authority is also using as guidance the recent amendments done in our neighbouring countries regarding drug driving and testing.
“Once the regulatory framework is completed and approved, the implementation of the initiative will proceed accordingly.
“The authority is collaborating with the Fiji Police Force to enforce drug testing requirements.
“Police will be responsible for carrying out and enforcing the drug tests as they have the legal authority to make arrests.”
He said they would continue working closely with key stakeholders to ensure the proper and effective implementation of this process.
In the meantime, the Mr Rokosawa issued a stern warning to taxidrivers using drugs to work longer hours to meet payment demands as highlighted by Lautoka Zone Taxi Association president Vijen Prasad. He said the authority had a zero-tolerance stance on illicit drug use within the PSV industry and would take firm action against any driver or permit holder found engaging in such behaviour.
“Driving under the influence of drugs is a direct threat to public safety.
“LTA will not hesitate to initiate show cause proceedings that can result in the suspension or cancellation of a driver’s license or the revocation of a PSV permit.”
According to the authority, between January 1 and October 27 of this year, LTA had conducted a total of 559 show cause proceedings across the country. Of these, 15 involved PSV driver license holders that resulted in 11 suspensions and four cancellations, and formal warnings issued to others.
Mr Rokosawa also reminded PSV permit holders that all PSV permits except for rental (RRL) and Road Carrier (RCL) were due for renewal on November 27.
He said compliance history, including a record of drug use among drivers would be considered during the renewal process.
