AN archaic method of recording traffic ticket payments in the island’s courts is being blamed for serious glitches which emerged yesterday in the newly implemented traffic ticket amnesty which offers motorists who pay all outstanding tickets issued before September 21, 2010, a reprieve from arrest.

Yesterday, motorists complained that they were listed on the national security ministry’s website as owing for traffic tickets which they had already paid. Motorists also complained that the traffic offences for which they were listed were undated.

The ministry acknowledged that there were glitches in the system.

“There is a chance that some tickets which were paid, or otherwise settled through the courts, are still reflected on the database of unpaid tickets. This may be due to the challenges of reconciling a manual system at the courts with the electronic system at the Ministry. Any such case should be reported, and an investigation and appropriate reconciliation will be promptly performed,” a release from the ministry said.

A check by the Jamaica Observer with a least a dozen motorists resulted in all complaining that they were either unaware of any traffic offence or had paid the tickets years ago.

“This is ridiculous. How can I be listed as owing for an offence of breaking the speed limit by 20 miles per hour and the charge is $200? That must have been a long time ago and I have paid for every ticket that was ever issued to me?” one motorist complained.

In the meantime, the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) said special arrangements had been put in place to accommodate an anticipated flood of its offices as motorists seek to take advantage of the amnesty announced by the security ministry Monday.

“In anticipation of the increased customer traffic TAJ will implement dedicated lines in its offices where necessary and increase floor management teams. Persons are advised to make note of the traffic ticket number or take along the traffic ticket for easy reference when making payments. It should be noted that tickets issued before September 21, 2010, and therefore eligible for the amnesty are not payable via the online tax facility, and must be paid at a tax office,” the TAJ said.

Motorists may check for outstanding tickets by using the online query traffic ticket option available on the Jamaica Tax Portal at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, by entering their Tax Registration Number or Driver’s Licence Number.

The TAJ said a team is currently working to cross-check the traffic ticket database against the payments made and to make the necessary adjustments.

The security ministry also warned that motorists who fail to make use of the amnesty can face arrest and the possibility of application for renewal of their driver’s licences, road licences and road badges being denied.

All fines must be paid in full after which all offences, points and warrants will be deleted from the offending motorist’s record.

— Karyl Walker