LTA clarifies need for fire extinguishers in taxis
HAVING fire extinguishers in taxis is born out of the major risks that vehicle fires pose to the safety of the public and drivers, says Land Transport Authority chief executive officer Samuel Simpson.
While responding to comments made by Fiji Taxi Association general secretary Ashwin Lal on the dangers if fire extinguishers in taxis, Mr Simpson said LTA was mandated to establish codes of practices that specified procedures, standards and other criteria.
“The LTA is committed to place paramount importance to the safety of the public and in standardising safety features in public service vehicles which the authority is doing,” he said.
“The taxi procedures manual, which standardises the use of fire extinguishers in taxis, was developed to promulgate/ set standard requirements which all taxis are required to adhere to with the idea of vehicle safety, passenger safety and driver safety on the forefront.
“The procedures manual was developed with due consultation with the Fiji Taxi Association which were held on 25th, September 2018 and 26th February 2019 respectively and was attended by executives from the taxi association.
“During these consultations, the fire extinguisher requirement was clearly highlighted to the association members.”
He said given the large number of first generation hybrid vehicles on Fiji roads that were used as taxis, these vehicles posed a heightened risk of fire as a result of old and decayed high voltage wiring, battery management systems and traction batteries that had not been properly maintained.
“The threat of fire extinguishers used as weapons against taxi drivers is as much apparent as passengers using their personal effects such as umbrellas, hot coffee cups, water bottles, et cetra as weapons against the drivers.”