THE Honiara City Council (HCC) has passed an ordinance to remove dark tints from public vehicles in an extraordinary meeting held on Monday 4 November.
The decision comes in response to recent public concerns over alleged abduction attempts by masked individuals using tinted vehicles.
The new ordinance includes penalties for non-compliance, with a maximum fine of $5,000 for first-time offenders.
Mayor Edward Siapu confirmed to Solomon Star that following the passage of the ordinance, it will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for review and gazetting.
Once approved, the HCC law enforcement officers will begin removing tints on public vehicles.
Mayor Siapu said this is not a new measure as a similar policy was introduced in 2011.
“We are simply continuing with the 2011 policy,” he said.
Earlier, Mayor Siapu announced that the operation would commence on 24 October but delays led to public questioning.
The ordinance, he clarified, only applies to public vehicles, private vehicles under the jurisdiction of the Government’s Road and Transport Board.
“Private vehicles fall under the Mechanical Works Services Department within the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, which manages vehicle inspections for licensing and insurance compliance.
“However, all commercial vehicles in Honiara require a business license from the City Council, granting us authority over such matters,” Mayor Siapu said.
Mayor Siapu said tinted vehicle windows obstruct visibility and complicate identification of drivers and passengers, posing security risks in emergencies.
“We expect vehicle owners to comply immediately. Non-compliance will lead to prosecution and fines,” he stated.
Additionally, the Road and Transport Board is considering regulating dark tints on vehicles nationwide following discussions last month.
The Board also intends to address the proliferation of billboards along Honiara’s highways and plans to work with the City Council on a policy for public billboards.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
