Scores of school children marched through Suva this morning to launch Fiji's commitment to the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety for 2011 to 2020.

The initiative organised by the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation with stakeholders such as the Fiji Police; also represented was the United Nations, Ministry of Education.

Chief guest Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said during the launch that road traffic accidents cost the Fiji economy about $30 to $40 million annually.

"My government considers this declaration timely and decided to join other members of the UN Assembly to prepare and execute national plans to improve road safety in Fiji.

Bainimarama says Fiji is now preparing a national plan to improve road safety in the country.

"I request international donor agencies, governments and the private sector in Fiji to assist us in the implementation of this national plan and global initiative.