11 Mar 2008

Samoa government restates road switch decision

2:37 pm on 11 March 2008

The Samoan government says it's committed to see through the change to driving on the left hand side of the road.

This is despite a lobby group opposed to the move filing a lawsuit to stop the government's move.

The legal action, by the organisation People Against Switching Sides, claims that the decision is reckless and negligent, will cause loss of human life and breache the constitution.

Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce have also voiced opposition to the switch.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni, says a parliamentary select committee is taking the adverse comments on board.

"All I can say at this point is that government is committed to the change. We believe in our hearts that it benefits our people but we can't turn a blind eye to some of the adverse impacts that it will have and we'll make sure that people are protected."

Misa Telefoni says the government may look at setting up a government insurance agency to make sure insurance premiums stay where they are.