JCF to Benefit from Traffic Ticket Amnesty Funds

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says a large portion of the funds collected under the traffic ticket amnesty will be used to purchase vehicles and equipment for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as well as effect improvements to traffic offices across the island.

He made the announcement during Tuesday’s (November 14) sitting of the House of Representatives as he piloted the Road Traffic (Temporary Ticket Amnesty Number 2) Act 2017.

The Bill, which was approved, provides for a second period of amnesty for the year from November 27, 2017 to January 13, 2018.

During the first amnesty, from August 2 to October 31, more than 260,000 tickets were dealt with, resulting in payments of over $590 million as well as 45,000 calls made to the Traffic Amnesty Call Centre.

Mr. Montague said at the end of three months, persons appealed to the authorities for additional time to settle their outstanding tickets, and the Government “had to respond to the concerns of the public and answer to their needs”.

He is urging persons with unsettled traffic tickets to make use of this final period of reprieve.

“Motorists who do not avail themselves of the amnesty will be vigorously pursued by the law,” he warned.

Motorists can still contest their traffic tickets in the court, but they will be required to abide by the decision of the court and cannot, thereafter, utilise the amnesty offer.

Minister Montague said a public education campaign will be undertaken to encourage the use of Tax Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) online portal.

He said tax offices will be equipped with more cashiers and security personnel during peak hours, to facilitate collection.