An out-of-court settlement notice issued by the traffic cameras for a violation in 2022 was only recently delivered, highlighting ongoing issues with the system. While the cameras continue to record around 15 drivers each for violations daily, the majority of notices are not being delivered successfully.
According to philenews sources, a woman recently received a notification from the post office about a registered letter, only to discover it was an out-of-court settlement notice from the traffic cameras for a violation that occurred during the system’s early days in 2022.
The Traffic Police explained to philenews that this issue arises from insufficient data in the system regarding the driver at the time of the violation or the fact that the notice was sent to the registered owner, who stated in writing that they had either sold the vehicle or someone else was driving it.
Efforts are being made to address these problems by amending legislation or updating the systems where driver details are recorded.
From the beginning of the year until the end of August, 158,000 out-of-court settlement notices have been issued, with 63,000 served and 54,000 paid. These notices include: 102,000 for speeding, 35,000 for red light violations, and 20,000 for white line violations.
Haris Euripides, Deputy Head of the Traffic Department, stated that over 85% of served notices have been paid, but the challenge lies with those that remain undelivered.
As the problem persists, the Police are consulting with the Law Office to explore sending drivers directly to court if attempts to serve out-of-court settlement notices fail. This would involve court summonses and the involvement of court bailiffs for service.
Meanwhile, eight bills proposed by MPs regarding changes to the out-of-court settlement system will be resubmitted to the House Committee on Transport next Thursday. The Traffic Police and the Minister of Transport disagree with seven of these bills, except for the one that extends the time to pay an out-of-court settlement notice to 60 days or more.
Furthermore, on September 11, the Road Safety Council will convene to discuss the rising traffic fatalities this year and is expected to implement additional measures for drivers.
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