Operators Praise A-G’s Decision on LTA
Fiji Bus Operators Association welcomes Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s directives to the Land Transport Authority on the issue of traffic infringement notices (TIN). Concerns were raised with A-G’s office that TINs issued by the LTA did not reach people within the 21-day prescribed time limit.
These infringement notices are for people caught speeding by the newly introduced speed cameras fixed on poles.
Association vice-president, Pyara Singh, told the Fiji Sun that the association appreciates and supports the comments made by the Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.
“We have faced the same issues highlighted by Mr Sayed-Khaiyum where we received the TINs after the expiry of the payment period of 21 days or a day before.
“In the bus industry, it takes a few days to identify which particular driver was driving the said bus on the said date and time written on the TIN,” Mr Singh said.
He said buses were not regularly driven by the same driver every time.
“This is because bus drivers are either on annual leave, sick leave, on day off or on a different bus route roster.”
He said, as suggested by Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, LTA should withdraw the TINs from court as 21 days was not a sufficient timeframe.
“Drivers, for the renewal of their driver’s licence, they are informed to pay a large amount of fines.
“If those fines are not paid, the driver’s licences are not renewed, which affects the bus companies to organise another driver,” Mr Singh said.
“The same applies to buses of those whose TINs are pending.
“Buses are not able to get road worthy certificates nor are the buses inspected for fitness and registration.
“And this affects the bus industry as well as the travelling public at large because the services are not available,” Mr Singh said. He also said the LTA should work with its stakeholders so better service could be provided for members of the public.
Taxi drivers face similar issues
Meanwhile a taxi operator has said the new policy would help them gain more revenue.
Tiko Kece director Iomaca Balelevuka made this remark after reading on how Mr Sayed-Khaiyum raised concerns with the LTA on TINs issued after being captured speeding by speed cameras.
He said as a taxi operator he was very happy with Mr Sayed-Khaiyum because what the A-G had done was for the betterment of taxi drivers.
“We as taxi drivers and operators have faced difficulties because of the late arrival of TINs.
“Sometimes we receive it a few days before and sometimes a few days after the 21 days payment period.
“We are very supportive of Mr SayedKhaiyum for what he has done for the drivers around the country,” Mr Balelevuka said.
“Because of the late arrivals of the TINs, the fines were sent to court and we had to go to the court to pay the fine which was a hassle because of the long queues.”
He said what Mr Sayed-Khaiyum did would save a whole lot of time for the drivers.
The LTA board chairperson board chairperson Vijay Maharaj, who is away overseas, is expected to comment when he returns. Edited by Jonathan Bryce Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj