Island Traffic Authority (ITA) boss Kenute Hare is warning motorists with outstanding traffic tickets that they should make every effort to clear the backlog and avoid a court warrant.

“I am urging drivers to pay their outstanding traffic tickets now because it is not going to be business as usual,” Hare warned.

He said drivers should pay up their outstanding tickets and companies which own the vehicles and employ the drivers must have them checked urgently as the new electronic-based system is already in effect.

Built on the back of the centralised, web-based Traffic Ticket Management System (TTMS) introduced in 2010, the Ministry of National Security is replacing the old paper-based tickets with new e-tickets, eliminating 25 points of failure and 100 per cent of hassle.

“In fact, some cops already have access to the necessary Android devices and portable printers,” said entertainment publicist Carlette DeLeon in a Facebook post.

“In real time they can check on you and your vehicle; see your ticketing history, including outstanding tickets; verify suspended or expired licences, insurance and registration; verify suspended or expired licences, insurance and registration; and you can get your ticket by e-mail and pay online,” she said.

In fact, coupled with the new Road Traffic Act 2018, rogue taxi operators and repeat offenders will not be able to slip through the cracks anymore while facing fees, prosecution, and restricted access to government services. But, otherwise, law-abiding motorists can save time and money with the instant e-ticket processing.

Motorists are being advised that if they are unable to join the crowds at the Tax Administration Department, a private firm, like the new Taxo Express Traffic Ticket Depot, can pay current and outstanding traffic tickets on offenders’ behalf.

Hare noted that once a ticket date has passed it becomes an outstanding ticket. And once the ticket is outstanding, fines at the court can go up to $5,000 or more, depending on the offence.