Road rule to change

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 11 August 2016, 12:00AM

 The government is changing the road rules yet again. 

This time, a change in the give way rules will become effective on 3 September 2016, keeping Samoa’s road rules in uniform with that of New Zealand and Australia.

The change means vehicles turning right will give way to an oncoming vehicle that is turning left. The existing rule gives the driver turning right the right of way.

But that will now soon change.

The plan was announced by the Chief Executive Officer of the Land Transport Authority, Leasi Vainalepa Galuvao, yesterday during a press conference. 

The change will be effective at 6am on the date set by the L.T.A. 

The rule applies to every intersection in Samoa except for traffic light intersections where the drivers will have to obey the traffic lights.

According to Leasi, the change will make driving in Samoa much easier for relatives, friends and tourists from Australia and New Zealand.

 “This is the rule that applies in New Zealand and Australia and we need to do the same since we drive on the same side of the road as them,” said Leasi. 

The Authority has already started their publicity campaigns to ensure all drivers are well aware of the change.

“This is just a minor change,” said Leasi. “I’m sure the drivers will learn fast. Looking at the change in New Zealand, they were only given just a short period of time to adjust.”

Leasi said they are calling meetings with bus and taxi drivers to get their message through.

He added that the change would avoid many conflict points on the road since most of the accidents are caused by the ‘Give way rule.’ 

L.T.A is also putting up signs on every intersection to inform members of the public about the change. 

On top of that, the Authority will be working hand in hand with the Ministry of Police to ensure the safety of the public when the change happens.

Their operation will run from 6am in the morning and they will on the road to give advice and direct the public about the new Give Way Rule.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 11 August 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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