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FRA to take legal action against drivers damaging property

Praneeta Prakash Multimedia Journalist [email protected] | @PraneetaFBCNews

July 22, 2019 7:10 am

The Fiji Roads Authority is now contemplating taking legal action against drivers damaging its properties.

The FRA introduced the new billing system last year to stop drivers from damaging its properties which includes traffic lights, street lights, railings, and fences.

Chief Executive Jonathan Moore says millions of dollars are spent on improving the infrastructure and those caught damaging them may soon end up fronting court.

“In the recent incidents we have identified two of the drivers and we are working on four that we are following upon. The issue over the payment it’s highly unlikely that we will get the money from individuals without going to court. So the legal team is working on the requirements for court proceedings against people and we will follow this through the court as well. This is not just another threat to people.”

He says it is time that those who damage their properties are dealt with seriously.

“If they damage our assets we will follow it through the court. Damage to a section of fencing or to traffic signals. Traffic signals installation costs $150,000 plus. If you take out one or two traffic signals there could be $30,000 to $40,000 damage there and we will pursue it through the courts.”

Moore adds there have also been cases where drivers have damaged FRA properties and fled leaving their vehicles behind.