Efforts to Reinstate Fiji’s National Road Safety Council Underway
Minister for Public Works and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has announced active steps to reinvigorate Fiji’s National Road Safety Council (NRSC). This initiative, in collaboration with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), seeks to establish the regulatory and legislative foundations necessary for the Council’s revival. The NRSC is expected to lead efforts in improving road safety through comprehensive education campaigns, stringent law enforcement, and effective policy development.
Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau emphasized the priority of this initiative, stating the significance of focusing the Ministry and LTA’s efforts towards the successful rehabilitation of the NRSC. The re-establishment of the NRSC takes on increased urgency amidst a troubling rise in road traffic issues. Statistics from January to August indicate over 1,700 traffic infringement notices have been handed out for misconduct involving Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers and passengers, with 188 drivers called for disciplinary actions.
Historically, the NRSC has played a crucial role, initially formed in 1995 to champion road safety. However, its merger with the LTA in 2010 had shifted the focus predominantly towards regulatory enforcement, somewhat sidelining educational and awareness efforts. Recent calls from the civil society and road safety advocates have stressed the need for NRSC’s independence to effectively carry out its mandate, focusing again on proactive safety measures rather than just enforcement.
The move to re-establish the NRSC as an autonomous body underscores a collective drive towards a safer road environment. The Council aims to tackle challenges such as reckless driving and lack of public awareness—factors that have recently contributed to high-profile accidents, notably those affecting the PSV sector. By reinforcing educational initiatives and improving compliance among drivers, the NRSC seeks to create a culture of accountability that prioritizes the safety of all road users.
These steps are set against a backdrop of broader transport safety reforms in the country. The government’s commitment to road safety is further reflected in ongoing consultation efforts by the LTA aimed at transforming the NRSC into a statutory independent entity, reinforcing its ability to lead significant national safety initiatives. These initiatives are crucial, especially as the nation prepares for periods of heightened vehicle activity, such as during festive seasons, when traffic incidents tend to increase.
The reinstatement of the NRSC is a promising development that not only aims to improve road safety metrics but also to reduce the occurrence of traffic-related incidents significantly. By fostering a shared responsibility between authorities and the driving public, there is hope for a reduction in road accidents and a safer environment for all on Fiji’s roads.