Ignore fine that arrives in post

THERE are regular media articles regarding outstanding traffic fines which give a false impression about how the system should be correctly managed. My standpoint is first to ignore all traffic fines sent through the post.

I wait for the local authority who issued them to serve a proper summons on me personally and then I decide if I want to contest it in court or not.

I have the same viewpoint at roadblocks when informed about outstanding fines that were not served on me personally.

Only if you don’t pay the fine before the due date or do not attend court on the date mentioned in the summons can a warrant of arrest be issued by the magistrate.

Maybe more motorists should adopt this plan until the traffic authorities get their act together.

Receiving a fine long after the alleged offence is problematic and unfair when it comes to proving one’s innocence. I find that unconstitutional. Camera fines are just a way of making money out of legally ignorant motorists and have nothing to do with or contribute nothing to road safety.

The old tried and tested way where a traffic cop stops you at the place where he/she alleges you committed an offence and issues you with a summons on the spot is the right and acceptable way of undertaking traffic enforcement.

Bill Bayley, Port Elizabeth