The Samoa Police Services' Traffic Division has begun the transfer of their operations to the old Fagalii Airport as a first step to set up the country's first vehicle test driving range.

The Police notified the public of their relocation on Wednesday in a statement posted on their Facebook page. 

"The general public is hereby advised that the Traffic Division previously located at the Apia Headquarters is not relocated to Fagalii area, previously used as the Fagalii Airport," it reads.

When the Samoa Observer visited the site on Wednesday, Police personnel were seen cleaning the area and removing discarded material left by the previous occupants.

The Minister of Works, Papali'i Niko Lee Hang, said the Police will convert the facility into a test driving range and a hub for vehicle registration and inspection. 

This comes weeks after the old airport was officially handed over on New Year's Day with an accompanying ceremony. 

The conversion of the Fagali’i Airport into a vehicle test driving range and registration inspection site is part of the Government's broader efforts to address the rising road toll, said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. 

Explaining the rationale behind the Government's decision to shut the airstrip and move air services to the bigger Faleolo International Airport, Tuilaepa said he is concerned about the growing road toll and increasing incidences of drinking and reckless driving in Samoa.

Over its festive season operation between Christmas and the early new year, Police arrested 146 people for a range of offences including traffic offences. 

Police Commissioner, FuiavailiiliEgon Keil said that the most common offence was drink driving.