Police to withdraw traffic ticket issued incorrectly

IT TOOK a social media rant and public backlash for an aggrieved motorist to at least get an official response from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) regarding an incorrect traffic ticket issued.

The motorist was given a $6,000 ticket by a police sergeant on June 21, while travelling along the Gazeland main road in St Elizabeth.

The irate woman posted a video highlighting that she was sanctioned for operating a vehicle with a driver’s licence issued less than 12 months ago without being in the company of a driver with a much older permit.

The police were accused of unfair treatment.

On Monday, the police said the issue was examined and it was found that the ticket was issued in error. It added that steps were being taken to contact the woman and have the ticket withdrawn.

@Shadyoakdrive on Twitter said: “It’s a terrible law passed by the Government and Opposition together, and the so-called review committee, them all took them eyes off the ball on this one. Can you drive straight away on your own after passing your test? In short, the answer is yes.”

@Mama_ninetales wrote: “Do not take the opportunity to note this. Tell us what is being done about the officer that doesn’t know the legislation he is to enforce. Has he been removed? What are the plans to train him?”

Initially, it was proposed that under the new Road Traffic Act, more stringent conditions would be attached to a learner’s permit and in some instances carry over to the first year of a driver’s licence.

For instance, it had been proposed that a person with a learner’s permit should be restricted from driving on the road after 10 p.m. and must not drive on roads where the maximum speed limit is 80 kph or more.

Additionally, there was a proposal for motorists driving contrary to the terms of a learner’s permit or failing to comply with the conditions of the first year of licence to be sanctioned with one demerit point and a fine of $6,000, if paid at the approved collectorate. A maximum fine of $15,000, or a 15-day prison stint in lieu of payment, was also proposed if one decided to challenge the matter in court.

These provisions, however, were not passed.

On Monday, the JCF noted that under Section 27 of the Road Traffic Act of 2018, motorists still have to comply with a few terms and conditions during the first 12 months of the grant of the licence. This includes maintaining a breath alcohol concentration of 0.01 per cent or lower while driving, not driving in excess of 80 kph on any roadway, and not operating a motor vehicle carrying either passengers or goods for reward.

In January, during the handover of 750 rugged handsets and 750 printers to the JCF for the electronic Traffic Ticket Management System, Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson said the police were seeking to maintain public order and not chasing revenue for the Government.

“We have laws and we have rules, you need to abide by them ... . We are not in search of revenue through ticketing. We are in search of better public order and better traffic management,” Anderson said.

Up to press time, there was no indication whether the JCF had made contact with the motorist.