Traffic tickets to be paid to police under changes

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 15 August 2019, 9:00AM

Traffic fines will now be paid directly to the Ministry of Police under changes following the transfer of responsibilities from the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) to the Police.

The Ministry of Police confirmed the changes in a statement: “All traffic offence notices issued by the Police are to be paid at the Ministry of Police headquarters in Apia.”

The police also warned that giving payments directly to the police officers is disallowed.

“It is prohibited to give payments for any [infringement notices[ to any staff members of the Ministry," the statement said. 

“All payments [must] be made to the cashier at the Records and Exhibits office at police headquarters in Apia.”

In early August only five traffic officers with the L.T.A. took up employment with the Ministry of Police, with the vast majority opting to resign following the transfer of responsibilities from the traffic division. 

The Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, said there were a total of 30 Traffic Officers previously stationed at the division. 

“Cabinet has approved the redundancy packages for the respective officers who opted to seek employment elsewhere and only five have agreed to be transferred to the Ministry of Police," he said.

“And like the Commissioner said, they will have to undergo police training before they become fully fledged Police Officers; but the rest have opted to take the redundancy package."

The Minister did not divulge the amount of the packages but noted that employees "were given what they are entitled under the law.” 

Asked about the status of the transition, the Minister said there are laws in place that need to be amended and approved by Parliament, before the rest of the traffic division can be transferred over to the Ministry of Police. 




By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 15 August 2019, 9:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>