Vanuatu's traffic department has confirmed that up to 40 civil servants will be prosecuted for alleged misuse of government registered vehicles.
This is the first time that so many drivers will be penalised for misusing government property.
One of the biggest government expenses since independence in 1980 has been on fuel.
All attempts by various governments to curb the abuse had been unsuccessful.
The coalition government led by Prime Minister, Edward Natapei has admitted being short of money and has appealed to all ministries and departments to cutback on spending.
