Authorities not taking action on people breaking road rules

Jaywalking is illegal however the authority responsible in the capital city to take people to task for breaking the road rules on a daily basis is not taking any action.

Fijivillage has raised the issue many times on the chaotic situation along Rodwell Road which is one of the main entry points into Suva City.

During the peak traffic times in the mornings and afternoon, many people, young and old, run or walk across the road in between vehicles, expecting the motorists to stop.

There are always near misses when pedestrians are rushing in front of vehicles or are trying to run or walk behind vehicles to cross the road.

Illegal parking of vehicles outside MH Homemaker opposite the Suva Market makes it worse for motorists as some just park on the solid yellow line and take up a whole lane, causing more congestion.

This occurs on a daily basis with no enforcement officers on the ground. 

Police and Land Transport Authority had earlier referred the issue to the Suva City Council.

When questioned by Fijivillage, SCC confirmed that it is not focusing on cracking down on jaywalking as it is too difficult to book or fine a person for jaywalking.

The council says that it is very difficult to fine people with the hassle of asking for identification and ensuring that the correct information is being produced especially along Rodwell Road where there is also a lot of foot traffic.

SCC says that people still do not have a behaviourial change towards jaywalking and still cross at different places at their own convenience.  

The Suva City Council maintains that they have at least one officer that patrols along Rodwell Road with their traffic van, however the council says they cannot be there for lengthy periods.

During the peak traffic periods, no officer has been noticed by Fijivillage.

No solution has been offered by the authorities as they maintain that they cannot be everywhere all the time.

Questions have been raised on why a few officers cannot be deployed to the busiest entry point into the capital city during peak traffic times.

SCC says it is too difficult, Police have told us that it is too hard to be there as they have other traffic duties while LTA says it is working with other stakeholders and this is the responsibility of the municipal council.