Simple/Easy method of paying fines !!!!

I visited Madeira, which is a Portuguese Island for those that do not know the place, during June 2006. It is really a small Island but definitely ahead of this big country in regards to traffic offences and administration. My cousin would, every single time we entered his vehicle, ask me to buckle up. When I asked for the specific reason he confirmed that a fine without a buckle on that little Island is 500 euros, translated into our currency ± R5000. That is a lot of money. The issue is not the amount of the fine but the way in which the fine is paid. UNLIKE SOUTH AFRICA, they are not issued a fine, which fine is followed up in a couple of weeks with a reminder to pay the fine, then followed up again (if it does not get lost in the system) in another few weeks, and after a few follow-ups, the person receives a summons, in which he/she has to appear in court at a specific date, to offer sometimes poor excuses as to why the fine was not paid in time.

In Madeira it is actually quite simple and in my personal opinion, very very effective. The person commiting the traffic offence hands over, ON THE SPOT, his/her credit card, and the fine is deducted off their credit card. NOW THAT WOULD MOST CERTAINLY WORK IN SOUTH AFRICA, where no person could "get away" with not paying a fine. Just look and listen to the staggering figures provided on the odd occasion, regarding outstanding fines to traffic authorities all over the country. Then it is further confirmed that no person would be able to renew their annual vehicle licences without paying outstanding fines. FUNNY how everyone seems to renew their licences with no mention of outstanding fines and nothing shown on the traffic system. The system is not efficient in this regard, or so it seems.

WHY NOT try this payment method in South Africa. It most certainly would work for the traffic authorities. They would not have to go from door to door to deliver summons letters, sometimes even entering area where it can be life threatening. The only people who would ALWAYS fight against this type of payment would be those individuals that DO NOT WANT TO, OR HAVE NEVER PAID FINES.

Getting straight to the point, I am of the opinion that all SA drivers, especially taxi drivers, would be more careful of transgressing the law, if we were all made to pay our fines with credit cards. If the person is fined and wishes to go to court thereafter to contest the fine, it is his/her own choice. The fine can then be reversed or minimised, according to circumstances and the person can be re-imbursed the amount where applicable.

THIS WOULD WORK - GUARANTEED.