The Land Transport Authority has withdrawn $100 fines issued to 30 cane lorry drivers for alleged overloading.

This is after the intervention of Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum raised the issuance of the fine with the LTA board on behalf of the drivers who were disputing it.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was informed by the drivers that according to law, sugarcane can be loaded up to 3.2 metres on their lorries.

A number of them were booked despite following this rule.

They also informed Mr Sayed-Khaiyum that the LTA officer who was issuing the fines had claimed the drivers that he was doing so following a directive from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Labasa Cane Lorry Association president Mohammed Janab said along Seaqaqa and Labasa Highway more than 25 lorry drivers were booked by LTA.

“Drivers know that the dimension of the cane load should be three metres to 3.2 metres in width,” Mr Janab told Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.

“However, the LTA officers booked drivers while they had three metres dimension.

“LTA should not come down hard on us.

“Many cane farmers drive for more 40 to 50 kilometres to the mill and the road condition is not good.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum responded saying that cane lorry drivers now need not to worry about this.

“Our Prime Minister who is the Minister for Sugar is looking into best solutions to assist farmers and resolve whatever issues you have,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“One of it is this relaxation of traffic infringement notice. But this does not mean you abuse this privilege.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum then immediately had discussions with LTA Northern regional manager Alfred Wiliame.

While looking at the documents, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum picked up that some LTA officers booked those who had three metres dimensions.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Anwar, 32 of Seaqaqa thanked Mr Sayed-Khaiyum for delivering this information.

“I feel much more relieved as now I don’t have to worry about paying a fine of $500 to LTA,” Mr Anwar said.

“Thank you Bainimarama Government for being so thoughtful.”

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

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