By JYOTI PRTIBHA
Lorry drivers who transport cane have been given the green light to transport more cane from fields to the mills.
Fiji Cane Lorry Transport Association president Jitender Singh said they were happy with a number of outcomes of a meeting held between the association, Fiji Sugar Corporation and Land Transport Authority.
Mr Singh said they havefinalised the details with the other two stakeholders.
Under the memorandum of understanding signed yesterday, a five tonne lorry which was previously permitted to transport 10 tonnes of cane per trip will now be carrying 12 tonnes.
Furthermore, the requirements for lorry drivers to wear seat belts have also been relaxed for these drivers.
Also, the wheel tax concession that the lorry drivers and owners enjoyed, has been extended.
This extension means these lorry owners would pay wheel tax for nine months but get their renewal for 12 months.
Mr Singh said the payment of wheel tax would be done on installment.
He said such an agreement provided a ‘win-win’ situation for the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the association.
“With these initiatives, we will be able to transport more canes from the fields to the mills,” he said.
“Also, our lorry drivers would be at ease, now that we have reached further understanding with the Land Transport Authority as well.”