Almost $240,000 of incorrectly dated speeding fines were issued between 29 February and 13 March 2020. Photo: Region Media.
A landmark ruling last month which means more than 600 speeding drivers could challenge the validity of their ticket could cost the ACT Government almost $240,000.
The fines were issued on the wrong date as the camera’s automatic system failed to account for 2020 as a leap year.
Magistrate James Lawton said the Road Transport Authority forced people to pay an infringement notice that didn’t occur as alleged or face prosecution.
Magistrate Lawton said that the RTA had the authority to correct the issue and resolve the problems it created but had not done so for “some inexplicable reason”.
The 623 drivers who were issued infringement notices between 29 February and 13 March last year can use the precedent set by the ACT Magistrates Court to challenge the validity of their ticket.
As of 12 April 2021, a total of 85 fines remain unpaid, new answers to questions on notice reveal.
A spokesperson for Access Canberra told Region Media that the remaining notices were at different stages when asked whether they had been revoked in light of the Court’s decision or if any driver who paid their fine had asked for their money back.
“The remaining notices are all at different stages of the infringement process including license or registration suspension, warning of suspension and transfer of infringement to another party,” the spokesperson said.
Minister for Better Regulation Tara Cheyne confirmed no further action would be taken against the company that developed the software. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Access Canberra wrote to the private company that developed the system and it was rectified at no cost to the government.
No further action was taken against the company, Minister for Better Regulation Tara Cheyne confirmed.
Legal advice sought by the ACT Government also came at no extra cost as the ACT Solicitor General provided it, Ms Cheyne said.
If you have a question about an infringement notice, you can contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 for assistance.
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