Concerns about negligent bus drivers – which have cost precious lives in many instances – have been raised in Parliament.
The concerns were highlighted during the second reading of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2015.
The bill proposes to increase the minimum age for a bus driver from 21 to 25. The proposed changed was widely supported.
Tabled by Minister of Works, Transsport and Infrastructure, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala, the bill also seeks to impose power on L.T.A. officers to seize a vehicle and to sell it if their owner does not take remedial action to remove it from impound. Former Chief Executive Officer of L.T.A. and M.P. for Falealili, Tusa Misi Tupuola, said at long last, the concerns from members of the public about the behavior of some bus drivers is finally being addressed.
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“I have worked in L.T.A. for a long time but I’m glad that finally the law has answered to the plight of many members of the public,” said Tusa.
“There are many people who have suffered at the hands of bus drivers and that is why I strongly support the change of age for bus drivers.
“Many have seen bus drivers who are show offs, they forget that they have the lives of 31 people in their hands.”
Under the bill, in section 36 of the Principal Act (2A) a person under 25 years of age will no longer be permitted to drive a bus.
Tautua Whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, supported the amendment.
Leala also suggested that the parking space in town is a major problem for motorists.
“My concern and I think the Minister and the Ministry should look at is parking in town,” pointed Leala.
“People don’t know where to go to park their cars. Everyone has a car and it’s always a problem to find a place to park when you’re in the areas of the Development Bank, TATTE and other town areas.”
Associate Minister, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi, though questioned the change.
He told Parliament that there is a difference between a person who has a brain and someone who doesn't.
“There is a big difference with ages,” said Leaupepe.
“A person can be 60 and doesn’t have a brain compared to another who is 17 and uses his brain. Like the old saying goes, like father like son.”
The M.P. stressed that the change in age was not necessary.
Veteran M.P., A’eau Peniamina Leavaise’eta, took the floor to assist Leaupepe.
“Correction Mr. Speaker, I think the right term should be ‘there is a brain but they don’t use it.”
Another M.P. Fagaivalu Kenrich Samu agreed with Leaupepe.
“Just a suggestion your Honour, if you look at it, many people who depend on being employed as taxi drivers and bus drivers are well under that age,” said Fagaivalu.
“Can this be reconsidered and can we bring it down to 23 years?”
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