There are changes coming to the way speeding and other traffic-related tickets are being issued by the RCMP in Nova Scotia.
The RCMP is outfitting its police cars across the province with an electronic summary offense ticketing (ESOT) system. The in-car system was unveiled today during a demonstration at the Bible Hill RCMP Detachment.
Nova Scotia is the first province in Canada where the RCMP is rolling out the electronic ticketing system. Electronic tickets will improve safety for both the public and officers by reducing the amount of time spent on the side of the road writing tickets. The increased efficiency at traffic stops will mean a higher number of vehicles processed in less time, making more time available for police to focus on other crime prevention duties. ESOTs will also reduce the likelihood of human error at traffic stops.
“A traffic stop can be one of the most dangerous times for police officers,” said Insp. Ray Oliver, officer-in-charge of Traffic Services for RCMP in Nova Scotia. “The introduction of electronic ticketing means we can undertake road safety initiatives to address problem traffic areas and minimize the time spent road side because we are no longer writing tickets by hand.”
During a traffic stop, the officer will enter information electronically into a mobile workstation by simply by swiping the driver’s licence through an electronic card reader. The offense information will be added by the officer. Once the information is inputted, the officer will print a ticket from a printer located inside the police vehicle. The ticketing system has a direct interface with the provincial court system, eliminating delays in processing and reducing error.
"Electronic Summary Offence Tickets are about enhancing officer safety, creating efficiencies and improving services to Nova Scotians," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "That is why the province worked closely with the RCMP to make this project a reality."
The RCMP provincial launch of electronic ticketing began earlier this week and is expected to be completed by December. A similar project has been underway in Halifax Regional Municipality since March.
