Fine with the photo radar ticket, but not the late fee
By Letter to the Editor on April 24, 2018.
Cash grab? Apparently, I received a photo radar ticket several months ago. This past week I received a letter in the mail stating that I was late in paying my ticket and that I had missed my court appearance. Added to the ticket was a late fee. Concerned about the letter, I spoke to an Edmonton court representative via an 866 number that was printed on the letter. The representative clearly indicated to me it was a photo radar ticket that may have gotten lost in the Canada Post mail. The representative went on to say that the local court clerks have the ability to easily remove the late fine portion of the ticket in this case. I understand the principle of photo radar and support the fact that it attempts to slow down traffic and make the city a safer place. I would never argue the ticket. But, because I did not receive the ticket in the mail, I argue the late fee. If a police officer pulls you over for speeding, you receive a paper ticket. If photo radar catches you, you should get it in the mail. But as I have found out, mail may not necessarily arrive at its intended destination. Most organizations or businesses in society have the ability to send important mail to you either by registered or tracked mail (signing for it) or email. Why not photo radar? I went to the local court office to pay my ticket. I did want to have the late portion removed as advised by the representative from Edmonton. The court clerk said there is no way for them locally to remove the fine on the computer and it was also stated that “they are not responsible for Canada Post errors.” So, I guess I’m responsible for Canada Post errors. I had two choices: To pay the ticket and late fine, or appear in court to argue the late fine. By choosing to go to court I am wasting court time, taxpayer money, my time and my wages, all because I did not pay a ticket I did not know I had, on time! It seems that a lack of communication exists between Edmonton and local Medicine Hat court clerks. Is that a training issue? Is a photo radar ticket not an important enough document to be registered or tracked by mail? It makes you think if Canada Post lost every photo radar ticket, the courts would make a killing on late fees. Is that a cash grab? Chris Gerhardt Medicine Hat 11-10
You should have a problem with the fine too. They don’t care to make sure the driver gets the ticket, just the car owner (not necessarily the same person). As your case points out, they don’t even care if you actually get the ticket. For that matter, they don’t even care if the machine is accurate or working – they won’t even publish the accuracy specifications for the machines they use! The whole thing is an abomination of justice.