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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid8221758 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16454394 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid8221758 AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16454394 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8221758 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid16454394 
005 OF 2004S
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16454394 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid16454394 Appellant
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16454394 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 PATRICK SINGH
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid16454394 Respondent
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16454394 Hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 2nd April 2004
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16454394 Judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 8th April 2004
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid16454394 Mr. V. Vosarogo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562  for LTA
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid16454394 Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562  in Person
\par 
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This is an appeal by the Land Transport Authority against the acquittal of the Respondent on the following charge:
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 : Contrary to Regulation 43 (1) (a) and 122 of Land Transport (Vehicle Registration and Construction) Regulations 2000.
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Particulars of Offence
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PATRICK SINGH s/o JAMES SHANKAR SINGH on the 30th of August 2001 at Suva in the Central Division drove a motor vehicle (private) on Grantham Road (Rups) with dangerously fitted b
ull bar, which was likely to cause bodily injury to any person or damage to another vehicle or property in collision.
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\par The Respondent pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case was set for hearing on the 21st of November 2003.
\par 
\par The evidence was that in 2000 and 2001, members of the public who had \'93bull bars\'94 attached to their vehicles, were told to come to the Land Transport Authority to apply for }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 approval. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 Bull bars are mechanical or body parts which are fitted onto the vehicle as an option.
\par 
\par On the 22nd of August 2001, Deve Moca, an LTA authorised officer was on duty at Grantham Road, when he saw DJ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 173, the Respondent\rquote s vehicle. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 His companion, also an LTA Officer stopped the vehicle and asked the Respondent if he had a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 pproval to have the bull bars. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 He said }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 he had none. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
He was issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 nd was warned for prosecution. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 The witness then said \'93
that same vehicle with same bull bars is still dangerous today to other persons and vehicles but it is legal because of the permit from LTA.\'94
\par 
\par Mohammed Hussein (PW3) said he had issued a defects notice to the Respondent because the vehicle was dangerous. However the vehicle was no longer dangerous because the Respondent had paid $74 and had been issued with a permit to drive with the bull bars.

\par 
\par PW4, Teresia Losalini Rasei, a vehicle examiner, said that she had inspected the vehicle on the 30th of August 2001}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
She had checked the bull bars and found them to be within the legal limits.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8221758  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 She then issued an approval notice for the bull bars.

\par 
\par On the 22nd of December 2003, the learned Magistrate ruled that there was no case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839  for the Respondent to answer. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 He said:
\par 
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What actually surprised the Court was that this T3 bull bars are still classified as dangerous fittings likely to cause bodily injur
ies to any person or damage to another vehicle or property in collision; and without any modification to make it safer, can be made legal with the payment of $74.00 and a permit issued by}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 
 the Land Transport Authority. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 This is really absurd.\'94
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\par He held that if the bull bars were dangerous, then they should not be approved after payment of a fee, and that therefore there was no case to answer.
\par 
\par The Authority appeals against this finding.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8221758  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 The grounds of appeal are:
\par 
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\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 Erred in law and in fact when it accepted that the bull bar fitted to the respondent\rquote 
s vehicle was a type that was approved by the appellant.
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Erred in law and in fact in its finding that all witnesses were aware that it was an approved type.
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Was wrong in law when it misapplied the regulations applicable to the fitting of accessories to vehicles.
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Misdirected himself in law in finding that there was no case to answer for the respondent.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373562 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
\par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373562 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
In his submissions in court, counsel for the Authority said that the offence was a strict liability offence, and that the learned Magistrate erred in holding that the danger alleged had been remov}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 
ed by the issuing of a permit. }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 He submitted that Regulation 43(2) provided that the Authority could approve bull bars which are technically essent}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 ial to the use of the vehicle. }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
He further submitted that Regulation 43 was aimed at those who drove with bull bars without approval, and the purpose of the Regulation was the protection of the public from po}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 tentially dange
rous bull bars. }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 He asked that I substitute a finding that there was a case to answer.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373562 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
\par The Respondent said that the only question for the Magistrate was whether}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839  the bull bars were dangerous. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
He said that the fact that the Authority now allowed him to keep the bull bars without modification suggests that they were not, and are not, dangerous.
\par 
\par Regulation 43(1)(a) of the Land Transport (Vehicle Registration and Construction) Regulations 2000 provides that no motor vehicle may be fitted with an object protrudi
ng from the vehicle so that it is likely to cause bodily injury to any person or damage to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839  another vehicle in collision. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
Regulation 43 also provides that the Authority may authorise fittings which are technic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 ally essential to the vehicle. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
There is no reference to the word \'93dangerous\'94 in the section although the heading reads \'93Dangerous Fittings.\'94
\par 
\par The elements of the offence are:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8221758 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 1. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 The accused\rquote 
s motor vehicle;
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 2. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 Was fitted with;
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 3. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 An object which protruded from the vehicle;
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 4. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 Which was likely to increase the risk of bodily injury or damage to another vehicle.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373562 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
\par There was no dispute th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14969936 at the Respondent drove DJ173. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 Nor is it in dispute that it was fitted with a bull bar not techni}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 cally essential to the vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562  The only matter in dispute was whether the bars were likely to cause injury or damage in a col}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 lision. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 What was the evidence that the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098  bars were dangerously fitted? }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 The vehicle examiner, PW4 said that the bars w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 ere \'93within the legal limits.\'94 }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 Mohammed Hussein PW3 said he issued a defects notice on the basis that the vehicle was dangerous on 30th August, \'93but not now after accused has paid $74 and was given permit by LTA.
\'94
\par 
\par What is likely to cause damage and injury in a collision must surely be a question of fact, based on evidence led. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 The test is an objective one. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 Someone should have given evidence of the damage that was likely to be caused by the bull}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14969936  bars on the Respondent\rquote s car. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 ut there was no such evidence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
Instead the Authority later allowed th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6759839 e Respondent to keep the bars. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
Surely if the bars were potentially dangerous, approval would n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 ever have been given. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
There was no evidence at all that the bull bars, objectively speaking, would be dangerou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 s to the public in a collision.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
 Instead, the evidence suggested otherwise.
\par 
\par I am not persuaded by counsel\rquote s submission that the Regulation should be read as a prohibition on th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 e use of unapproved bull bars. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 The words of the Regulation are c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 lear, precise and unambiguous. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 The prohibition is in relation to potentially dangerous fittings, and the onus is on the prosecution to prove potential danger}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 . }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 It will be necessary to call evidence as to the da}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 nger posed by those bull bars. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 The issuing of permits in relation to the bull bars is of limited importance except to show that the Authority itself may not consider the bars dangerous and that they are techni}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 cally essential to the vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562  However, even the issuing of a permit will not rob a dangerous fitting of its dangerous quali
ties, if the court has decided that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098  those fittings are dangerous. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
A permit may however deprive the prosecution of the ability to prove that the bull bars were not technically essential, since a permit can only be granted under Reg. 43(2) when the fittings are technically essential.
\par 
\par In this case there was no evidence led of potential danger an essential element of the offenc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6829098 e. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
The learned Magistrate rightly upheld the submission of no case to answer.
\par 
\par This appeal is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8221758 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid6829098 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid8221758 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373562 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid14373562 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3938184\charrsid6829098 At Suva
\par 8th April 2004
\par }}