All communication devices will not be banned in buses - Bala

Minister for Transport, Parveen Bala stresses that all communication devices will not be banned in buses after a question raised by SODELPA MP, Semesa Karavaki on whether a ban on all communication devices can be considered.

Karavaki raised the issue during Parliament Question Time about loud music in public service vehicles.

Bala says LTA has provisions under the law for the control of undue noise from vehicles. He says the noise inspection guideline states that 80 decibels is the maximum allowed sound from vehicles.

Bala says the sound level meter is used by LTA officers to inspect the vehicles.

Between January to October last year, 105 traffic infringement notices were issued for undue noise.

Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa then said that the issue needs to be urgently addressed as there have been a lot of complaints about loud music in buses. She also says over the last 5 years, there was an average of 4 bus accidents per month, and questions on whether it is also related to loud music.

Bala says the law is clear and they will just follow the law.