THE Corporate Area Traffic Court has started sittings from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm to accommodate motorists with outstanding tickets.

The Court Administration Division has asked motorists with outstanding traffic tickets to make contact with it or the Corporate Area Traffic Court.

Government stood firm last month when taxi operators across the island withdrew their services to press for a traffic ticket amnesty. When their request was rejected they asked for Government to allow a payment plan to allow them to clear outstanding tickets.

However, the only offer from Government was an extension of court hours so offenders may deal with what is now strictly a legal matter.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, speaking about commissioning service for justices of the peace in Ocho Rios, St Ann, said the Government will not interfere with the judiciary’s execution of its duties. The court, he said, will now be doing everything in its power to discipline repeat offenders.

“This is a matter for the court, not for the prime minister or the Government. If you fail to pay your tickets in 21 days, it is a matter for the court. You want a payment plan? Go and talk to the judge. We have no authority to dictate to the court what should be done,” he said.

He said all unpaid traffic tickets accumulated over the last 10 years will be posted on the justice ministry’s website so motorists will have the information needed to pay their fines.

“There are over 2,000 drivers with 100 tickets; nearly 500 with 500 tickets, and these are the people who say they need time to pay. The audacity of persons who have violated the road code to come and say, ‘We want an amnesty.’ The rudeness to demand of Government to give them a plan and time. This Government will not back down and every single violator must know that there will be consequences,” he said.