Operation to remove tints underway, vehicles arrested and owners to face court

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Honiara City Council Law-enforcers backed by traffic officers have started enforcing the removal of tints from public vehicles—with several owners who failed to comply with the grace period given by the council were arrested and to face court.

Head of the HCC Law Enforcement Unit Robert Madea confirmed to SBMOnline this afternoon that the operation would continue into the week until all tints are removed as instructed.

At the same time, Madeo said they had also arrested vehicle owners who failed to comply with the grace period they had given them to remove their tints.

At the same time, Madeo said they had also arrested vehicle owners who failed to comply with the grace period they had given them to remove their tints.

The HCC in a statement month on November 21^st 2024, stated that to support operators in making the necessary changes, the Council offered a grace period from November 20 to December 1, 2024. During this time, public vehicle operators can voluntarily remove the tints without facing penalties.

“We understand that the change may take some time for many operators,” saidHCC Mayor Eddie Siapu. “This grace period allows them to comply without financial repercussions. However, after December 1, enforcement will be strictly applied.”

Madeo said with the help of traffic police, the vehicles were detained and their owners were charged. They are to appear in the Honiara’s Magistrates Court.

He explained that from there on—the court would take its course.

HCC also officially announced on November 21 that the enforcement of a new condition on licenses, requiring the removal of window tints from all public service vehicles, would begin on December 2, 2024. This condition, formally gazetted by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, aims to improve the safety, visibility, and overall security of public transport in Honiara.

The new conditions mandated that all public service vehicles licensed by the Council must remove any window tints before the enforcement date.

Mayor Eddie Siapu emphasized the critical role of this condition in ensuring safer and more transparent public transport for all Honiara residents.

“This initiative is about ensuring the safety of everyone who relies on public transport, Vehicles must be visible for everyone’s protection,” said Mayor Siapu. “Our commitment to making Honiara a safer place starts with improving the transparency of our public transport system.”

Madeo told SBMOnline today that they would continue to enforce the law and arrest any drivers that resist the order—and would also face the courts.

The Council had also made clear that vehicle operators who failed to remove the tints by December 1, 2024, would face significant penalties.

“We are urging all public vehicle operators to take advantage of the grace period and comply voluntarily,” Mayor Siapu stated.

“Failure to comply will result in enforcement action, and violators can face fines of up to $5000 penalty units for breaching the conditions of their license.”

SBMOnline observed today that many public vehicles had already removed their tints in compliance with the HCC directives.