Traffic jam issue raised in parliament

The Fiji Police Force’s Traffic Department, LTA officers and the municipal officers manage traffic during peak periods at busy intersections and school crossing zones to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

This has been highlighted by the Minister for Transport Parveen Bala in parliament when asked by Opposition Member Salote Radrodro on what is being done to address major traffic jams due to huge number of vehicles on our roads today.

Bala says in December 2016, the vehicles registered with the LTA was at 110,763 compared to 101,425 in December 2015.

This is a 9.2% increase.

He says in addition to an increase in vehicle numbers, the decentralization of activities, changing land use, rural to urban migration and informal settlements have influenced travel patterns of the public travelling to work and school.

Bala says the Ministry has established a technical working group with all stakeholders from the private and public sector to develop plans in tackling traffic congestions.

Radrodro then asked the Minister on what the ministry is doing with the Ministry for Economy due to the high importation of hybrid cars.

Bala says it is the right of individuals to own a vehicle and the government will not deny that right to people.