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Source: ONE News -
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Rural Samoans have engineered a dangerous new solution to a government plan to switch to driving on the left: don't do it.
The Pacific nation is just three weeks away from a monumental road rule change but the government is facing a growing backlash from islanders angry about the switch to the left side of the road.
The residents of at least two small villages have decided not to allow any cars through their town unless they are driving on the right as they do now, say the action group People Against Switching Sides (PASS).
"Any car that comes through the village will have to drive on the other side of the road or not be allowed through," PASS member Viopapalii Annandale said.
"Obviously this is a recipe for total chaos and they plan to do it because they are very angry."
Samoa is the first country in four decades to attempt a road switch, following from Iceland and Sweden in the 1960s.
But there are fears the Polynesian country, with its low government spending, poor infrastructure and high speeding and drink driving rates, will not be able to pull off the switch with the same relative ease as their European counterparts.
Adding to troubles, Samoans drive American-style left-hand drive cars like their neighbour, American Samoa, and most will not be able to afford to buy safer right-hand drives for some time.
The switch is the brainchild of the country's prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who thinks it makes more sense to be closer aligned with Australian and New Zealand rules, and believes it will encourage more vehicle importation.
But several organisations from the Chamber of Commerce to the local automobile association have labelled it expensive and ludicrous.
PASS has launched a legal challenge, to be heard by the courts on August 17, that claims the switch is unconstitutional because the government cannot guarantee Samoans' right to life.
"What we're saying is that people will die as a result of this," Annandale said.
"The prime minister is treating us like children who should just shut up and do as we're told but we are a lot more politically aware than that."
While Annandale is "very optimistic" of a positive ruling for PASS, others like Samoa Observer editor Keni Lesa say the switch is likely to go ahead regardless.
"Most people are against the switch and PASS has a lot of support but knowing how arrogant this government has become, it's going to happen," Lesa said.
"More than anything now, it's a matter of pride and they will just push ahead on September 7 even if they lose and regardless of the consequences."
Meanwhile, a dedicated car course in downtown Apia designed to help Samoans practice driving on the left remains unused.
"I've never seen anyone use it unless it's for a short cut to get across town," Lesa said.
