ON-THE-SPOT FINES: Motorists may be tempted to bribe
THE report, "Make motorists pay on the spot" (NST, Aug 1), as a solution to solve the mounting problem of unsettled summonses is grossly unfair to law-abiding motorists who pay their summonses on time.
There are many responsible drivers who settle their summonses on time before warrants of arrest are issued.
To make motorists pay on the spot for traffic offences because of those who do not pay them smacks of poor police enforcement.
Motorists who do not settle their summonses within the specified time should be blacklisted and warrants of arrest issued.
Those who do not settle their summonses should not be able to renew their driving licence and road tax. Once caught, they should be asked to do community service, or be jailed.
Making motorists pay on the spot for traffic offences is not feasible because, generally, motorists do not carry much money with them.
Furthermore, motorists who use the highways must carry money for their fuel, toll and any unforeseen breakdowns. Making them carry money for on-the-spot payment of traffic summonses is ludicrous.
On-the-spot fines can lead to abuse and corruption. Unscrupulous traffic police personnel can let off traffic offenders with a small bribe instead of arresting them. And motorists, too, will be tempted to bribe the traffic policemen.
The present method of payment for traffic offences should be continued. However, the rates of the fines should be reduced. The fine for speeding is RM150 if paid within a few weeks, RM200 if paid within a month, and RM300 if paid within two months. If no payment is made, issue warrants of arrest.
Those who do not pay their fines should be dealt with severely. Their licences should be revoked and their vehicles impounded.
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