Tonga's Legislative Assembly has voted down a private bill to make the wearing of car seat belts compulsory for drivers and front-seat passengers.
The bill's promoter, the number two people's representative of Vava'u, Etuate Lavulavu, said the legislation would have protected many people from death and injury.
The House also rejected a second bill sponsored by Etuate Lavulavu calling for the compulsory identification of taxi drivers and their vehicles, to safeguard passengers, especially women and tourists.
