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{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr12\min22}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr19\min4}{\version4}{\edmins5}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1314}{\nofchars7493}
{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws8790}{\vern16391}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0
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{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\s1\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13918333 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 
IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13918333 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid12723479 AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13918333 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12723479 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 
024 OF 2004S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13918333 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16409726\charrsid13918333 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13918333 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 SURESH CHANDRA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13918333 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16409726\charrsid13918333 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13918333 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16409726  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 2nd April 2004
\par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16409726  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 8th April 2004
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid5461188 Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid5461188 in Person}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 Mr. V. Vosarogo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726  for Respondent
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12723479 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid12723479 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par The Appellant was convicted on the 16th of September 2003 of the following offence:
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12723479 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid12723479 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12723479 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid14307574 EMISSION OF VISIBLE SMOKE}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 : Contrary to regulations 47 and 87 of Land Transport (Traffic) Regulation 2000.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12723479 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid12723479 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12723479 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
SURESH CHANDRA on the 18th day of March 2003 at Suva in the Central Division drove a motor vehicle registration number CJ971 at Laucala Bay Road and caused visible smoke to be projected from the exhaust pipe for a period in excess of 10 seconds.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par He pleaded not guilty and his trial commenced on the 29th of August 2003}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
An LTA Officer Epeli Naunivalu gave evidence that on the 18th of March 2003 he was on duty at Laucala Bay Road at 2.45pm when he saw the Appellant\rquote s vehicle emitting sm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3235891 oke. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 He followed the vehicle towards Flagstaff an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 d timed the emission of smoke. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 The emission }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 was continuous for 15 seconds. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
He stopped the Appellant outside the USP bus stop, interviewed him and served him with a Traffic Infringement Notice.
\par 
\par A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 saeli Roko also gave evidence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 He was with PW1 on the 18th of March 2003 and }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 is a trained vehicle examiner. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 He advised PW1 to time the smoke emission for 15 seconds or 400 metres \'93
because sometimes, when drivers use wrong gear, it could cause }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 visible smoke.\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 They followed the vehic
le to monitor the smoke emission.
\par 
\par Under cross-examination he said that the smoke being emitted was visible but not black and that when the fuel system is not working properly, it will emit smoke.
\par 
\par The Appellant ma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 de a dock statement. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 He said that he was a qualified mechanic and that the way the inspection had be}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 en carried out was not proper. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
He said that on the 19th of March 2003 his vehicle was examined at the LTA, and that the examiner found no defects in the vehicle.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate held that the only question for the court was whether the driver of the vehicle had caused or permitted visible smoke to be projected from the exhaust pipe or any other part of the ve}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 hicle for more than 10 seconds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726  He said he was satisfied of this beyond reasonable doubt and convic}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 ted the Appellant accordingly. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 He}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333  was fined $90 plus $33 costs. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Although he was given 14 days to pay the fine he has not paid this fine apparently because he wa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 s advised not to by the court. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 At the hearing of this appeal, I advised him to pay immediately because if he did not he was at risk of being imprisoned for 3 months.
\par 
\par The Appellant appeals ag}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 ainst conviction and sentence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
His grounds are that Regulation 47 of the Land Transport Regulations lacks clarity, that visible smoke is not indicative of a faulty vehicle, that he was victimised by the LTA officers and that the 10 seconds period specified in t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 he Regulation was unrealistic. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 In court he argued a further ground, that PW1\rquote 
s watch was a measuring instrument which did not comply with the National and Trade Measurement Decree 1989.
\par 
\par Counsel for the LTA opposed the appeal, saying that the Regulation required no proof of a mechanical defect, that the TIN was issued after the commission of the offence and that the 1989 Decree did not apply to watches.
\par 
\par Regulation 47 of the Land Transport (Traffic) Regulations 2000 provide:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14307574 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 \'93
A driver of a motor vehicle on a public street must not cause or permit visible smoke to be projected from the exhaust-pipe or from any part of the machinery of the motor vehicle for a period in excess of 10 seconds.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
\par The evidence led at the trial was that the Appellant\rquote s vehicle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333  emitted smoke for 15 seconds. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 The Appellant at t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 he trial did not dispute this. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 His defence was that his vehicle which was carrying a heavy load of
 passengers up a hill, emitted smoke not because of a defect but because it is a diesel-fuel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14307574 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 ed ve}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 hicle which always emits smoke.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
 Indeed he said in his dock statement that his vehicle was not defective and that the emission of smoke in relation to defects in the vehicle was not conclusive.
\par 
\par It may be that the Appel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 lant\rquote s vehicle has no defects. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 However the mischief aimed at in Regulation }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 47 is not a defective vehicle. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 It is the emission of visible }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 smoke. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Whether the cause is the diesel engine, or an engine proble}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 m is irrelevant to conviction. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 t may be relevant to sentence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
The Appellant agreed that Regulation 47 provided for no exemptions in relation to diesel engines.
\par 
\par In relation to the National and Trade Measurement Decree 1989, I see very little relevance o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 f that Decree to this offence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
Firstly, the Appellant does not deny }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 the emission of visible smoke. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
At the trial he did not deny the length of time the emission was visible.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12723479  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Secondly, the officers ti
med the smoke for 15 seconds, 5 seconds more}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333  than the statutory provision. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 This must be we}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 ll beyond any margin of error. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Lastly, I doubt that the Decree applies to watches used by Land Tra}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 nsport Officers to time smoke. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 If it did apply, then police officers
 using their watches to record times in police notebooks, and witnesses giving evidence of times in the course of ordinary cases would be required to submit their watches for verification before using them.
\par 
\par Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the National and Trade Measurement Decree 1989 refers to measuring instruments which may be verified by the Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures if the Chief Inspector}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 
 considers it necessary to do. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Section 14 provides that \'93where the Chief Inspector is satisfied that a primary standard of measurement has been verified or re-verified\'94
 he may sign and issue }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 a certificate of verification. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
Section 15 provides that for any legal purpose, where it is necessary to ascertain whether a measurement of a physical quantity for which ther
e are Fiji legal units of measurement made in terms of those units, that fact shall be ascertained by means of, by reference to, an appropriate standard of measuremen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 t and not in any other manner. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Section 15(2)(a) provides that a measuring instrument not being used for trade may be verified by an inspector}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 
 at the request of any person. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
Section 15(2)(b) provides that the Minister may declare by notice in the Gazette a measuring instrument to be an instrument to which the Decree shall apply as if the i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 nstrument were used for trade. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 There is no notice declaring watches to be measuring instruments to which the Decree applies.
\par 
\par A reading of these provisions makes clear that the decision to verify an instrument lies with the Chief Inspector.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
Any person can ask for a certificate of verification in relation to a measuring instrument, and any instrument used in legal proceedings should use one of the standard units of measurement specif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 
ied by schedule to the Decree. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 In relation to time, the primary unit is seconds.
\par 
\par There is no requirement under these provisions to submit all measuring instruments (not use}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 d for trade) for verification. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
There is no legal requirement to verify measuring instruments used in a criminal trial, such as a watch, unless either the Chief Inspector decides to so verify, or any pers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 
on requests such verification. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
Further, in using seconds to measure time, the LTA was using a unit of measurement specifically provided for in the National and Trade Measurement (Units and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 Standards) Regulations 1989. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Lastly I note that the National and Trade Measurements Regulations 1989 only require timing devices to be inspected under Regulation 84, when those devices are used for the provi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 sion of services or for trade. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Clearly, a watch carried by a law enforcement officer does not fall into this category.
\par 
\par Section 79 of the Land Transport Act 1998 provides that a police officer or authorised officer, in the performance of his/her duty under the Act may use any equipment prescribed by regulations for the enforcement}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333  of provisions under this Act. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 There are no regulations r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 
elating to the use of watches. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Police officers need not get certificates of verification on their watches before using th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 
em in the detection of crimes. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 Nor do Land Transport O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 fficers need such certificates.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726  If an accused person wishes to challenge the timing recorded by the Authority officer, then he should do so as a matter of evidence, and on the basis of his own timing.
\par 
\par In this case, the witnesses not only timed the emission, they followed the Appellant for 400 metres up the Laucala Bay Road}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13918333 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 
Clearly the Appellant had no grounds on which he can now challenge the accuracy of PW1\rquote s watch.
\par 
\par As for his submission that the officers did not issue the TIN after the offence was committed, this is contradicted by the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and the TIN itself.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14307574 This appeal must fail. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid16409726 It is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12723479 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid13918333 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid12723479 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12723479 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid12723479 
\par At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16409726 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4994191\charrsid12723479 8th April 2004
\par }}