Monthly Ticketing Quota for Traffic Wardens
January is often the time when people need to update their driver’s license, vehicle license and insurance. And if you are one of those people where your documents have expired or are about to expire, you better jump on it. That’s because traffic wardens and transport officers are being asked to become more vigilant countrywide. A recent memo sent to all Senior Transport Officers and Traffic Wardens says, “Senior Transport Officers are reminded that all Traffic Wardens under their supervision are required to issue a minimum of forty four Traffic Violation Tickets each month.” The memo goes on to note that failure to comply with this instruction will result in, “sanctions for insubordination.” Minister Rodwell Ferguson, responsible for Transport, told us via phone that the measure is geared towards deterring traffic violators on the nation’s highways, which may also decrease traffic accidents. Additionally, Minister Ferguson asserts that the quota system will make for a more financially sustainable department.
On the Phone: Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport
“There are some traffic wardens who issue more than sixty tickets per month. So, we are saying if one group can do it; the others can do it likewise. So, we are saying, we want a minimum of two tickets per day, once you can justify why you issue that ticket.”
Paul Lopez
“The criticism is that the quota system may not be the most effective approach.”
On the Phone: Rodwell Ferguson
“Then what will be the other approach, if it is not being done. I would also suggest to Cabinet that whatever they are bringing over a certain amount then they should get an incentive, beside their pay, a percentage of what they are bringing. We have to enforce the law to maintain law and order in this country.”
Paul Lopez
“Is there any studies done to determine what percentage of the driving population may be out on the byways and highways driving in violation.”
On the Phone: Rodwell Ferguson
“The percentage is very high, but the collection is very minimal. So, maybe six months ago, the collection rate was maybe at twenty percent after issuing a ticket. Over the last three or four months it had jumped to maybe forty percent of collection rate. I am saying if you apply for a particular job or post, then that post comes with certain requirement. So, if you apply for the job, then we expect, there are certain expectations. And, as I said earlier, we nuh the ask them to be unjustified. I mean, two tickets per day is very minimal. So, you must find at least ten or fifteen people per day violating the ticket laws. We are asking you for two. You will have to use your conscience to say I can go beyond two if I find the violators.”
And, if you think you can get away without paying your ticket, think again. Minister Ferguson says the Transport Department now has a prosecutor to bring violations before the court.
