The Honiara City Council (HCC) Mayor Eddie Siapu has said the removal of tinted public vehicles conditions was passed by the City Council and is awaiting the gazette before the end of this week.

“Once the conditions are officially gazette, HCC will implement and enforce these conditions against the use of tinted windows, tinted windscreens, sun visor fixed against the windows and curtains fixed on the windows on all public vehicles that are licensed to carry passengers for hire or reward including buses, taxis, 3-tonne, 2-tonne or a semi-trailer.

“This regulation conditions aims to improve visibility and safety for passengers, aligning with broader public safety objectives in the city,” a media statement by the HCC yesterday said.

Mr Siapu said public vehicles with tints can create security concerns, as they reduce visibility and can hinder effective monitoring by police and public.

He stressed that HCC is fully committed to implementing the changes, as they are in the best interests of public safety.

The mayor also called on public transport operators to prepare for compliance, urging them to make necessary adjustments to their vehicles ahead of the enforcement phase.

He highlighted that the council will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the new regulations are adhered to by all public transport providers.

The initiative, once enforced, is expected to bring significant changes to the operation of public transport in Honiara, with the aim of promoting transparency and ensuring the safety of passengers across the city.