Motorists traveling between Lautoka and Nadi may soon see improvements in traffic conditions as the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) plans to assess traffic flow and travel times on the busy Sabeto stretch during peak hours. This initiative follows concerns raised by Opposition MP Ketan Lal, who criticized the installation of numerous road humps, which have resulted in travel times of over one hour.
Mr. Lal argued that while these measures aimed to calm traffic, they have instead contributed to congestion. He highlighted that poor planning has negatively impacted daily life, disrupted business operations, and posed risks to emergency response times. “Workers are late, students are stressed, and yet decisions affecting thousands seem to have been made without proper consultation or traffic studies,” he remarked.
In defense, the FRA explained that its actions are part of a broader Safe System Evaluation strategy, initiated due to an alarming rise in road fatalities and serious injuries. They pointed out that pedestrians account for 37% of road fatalities, with 73% of these incidents involving individuals in their economically productive years.
The FRA emphasized the need for improved speed management, particularly in the Sabeto area, where a 60 km/h speed limit has become a safety concern due to significant pedestrian activity, especially near schools and village fronts. As part of the solution, the FRA is advocating for a reduced Safe System speed of 30 km/h in these zones, which will be reinforced through the installation of speed humps and raised pedestrian crossings.
The safety of students attending the Waimalika Sabeto Sangam School has become a primary focus for the FRA, especially following two serious pedestrian accidents involving students, both of whom required intensive care at Nadi Hospital. The upcoming assessment is intended to analyze traffic dynamics to establish a balance between road safety and commuter efficiency.
This proactive evaluation represents a crucial step toward enhancing road safety while addressing community concerns, aiming for smoother travel between key locations and safeguarding vulnerable road users. Such initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving overall traffic conditions and public safety, fostering a more efficient and secure transportation environment in Fiji.