Traffic Day at St Catherine court goes 'smoothly' as hundreds settle tickets – CAD

Traffic Day at the St Catherine Parish Court on Wednesday ran smoothly despite some hiccups, with hundreds of motorists paying fines for outstanding tickets, says Kadiesh Jarrett-Fletcher, head of communications at the Court Administration Division (CAD).

“We are very pleased with how the day went in terms of organisation and flow. There were a few hiccups, as expected with such a large number of persons,” she told The Gleaner of the initiative aimed at cutting the backlog of approximately 200,000 tickets in the parish.

“People were given time slots and asked to show up 30 minutes before; in some instances they arrived two hours early. ...For the most part, we were able to maintain the time slots throughout the day, which is why we were able to move people in and out very quickly.”

Jarrett-Fletcher, the director of the client services, communications and information, said the day's official turnout tally was not complete as the night session was under way and payments were being reconciled.

CAD, which manages the administrative functions of the judiciary, reported that 4,571 cases were listed for the day session (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 5,346 for the night session (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), with six courtrooms and judges on duty, and two additional judges available for relief.

From early morning, motorists gathered along White Church Street and other areas of Emancipation Square to settle their fines. Surroundings areas were cordoned off in anticipation of the event.

Acting Chief Parish Court Judge for Jamaica, Brodrick Smith, was among the early attendees and expressed confidence in the process. “We have the personnel to fully man the day’s activities, and once they are on the list, we have an obligation to deal with them. There are several judges from St Catherine rostered for the occasion, and they will be assisted by colleagues from other parts of the island,” Chief Judge Smith said.

Empty spaces were transformed into temporary courtrooms, with court staff guiding motorists to their respective areas.

“This is a very good and effective way to deal with the public. In fact, I find it a waste of time to wait an entire day to pay, so this method is effective,” said Stanley Brandford, a motorist. Other motorists echoed his views, though some expressed concern about potential duplicate payments.

“This is my receipt; I already paid this ticket in 2019, but for a peaceful life, I am willing to pay it again. I hope this is the final payment,” said Nicholas Merchant.

The night-shift session, which primarly attracted Public Passenger Vehicle operators and persons with 50 or more tickets, saw hundreds make payments. Some persons were given dates to settle fines due to registration issues.

Police maintained a visible presence throughout the day.

The initiative is expected to be replicated in other parishes with high volumes of outstanding matters.

Last week, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes said the traffic days are not designed to raise revenue for the Government. He said the St Catherine event was “planned longed before there was any desire, expressed or otherwise, to collect a minimum sum from traffic fines".

“As an independent judiciary, the courts are not revenue collecting agencies. Traffic offences are criminal offences, they are not revenue earning offences, ” he said.

- Rasbert Turner

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