Concerns raised on the abuse of government vehicles on our roads

Concerns have been raised on the abuse of some of the government vehicles and how they are being driven on our roads without following the road rules.

There have been reports of speeding, some people in government vehicles abusing the flashing lights which they have put on their dashboards, the usage of hazard lights unnecessarily, overtaking of vehicles at non overtaking lines and illegal parking.

Fijivillage has raised the issue with the Public Service Commission and the Land Transport Authority.

Both organizations say they are concerned about this as they have also received reports about abuse of government vehicles.

Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Parmesh Chand said government vehicles are allocated to Ministries and Departments for official purposes and to deliver essential services.

Chand said there should be no room for abuse, speeding and overtaking that would also put lives at risk.

He said flashing lights are not just for use for any purpose.

Chand said these are only to be used during emergency situations only by the senior officials of the government.

Discussions are now being held with the Police about these issues.

Land Transport Authority Chief Executive Officer, Naisa Tuinaceva also reveals that some government vehicles have illegally installed the flashing lights on the dashboards.

Some of the vehicles that are allowed flashing lights only during emergencies are the fire brigade, the National Ambulance Service, the Fiji Police Force, any vehicle used by the President of the Republic of Fiji including his or her motorcade and support vehicles, any motor vehicle used by a Cabinet Minister, including his or her motorcade and support vehicles and any motor vehicle exempted by the LTA Chief Executive Officer.

You can call the Ministry of Finance Vehicle Control Unit on 3221-116 or 3221-108 if you witness any abuse of government vehicles.