The Ontario Traffic Council expressed its support for a government move this spring that would help free up blocked Provincial Offences Courts. The MTO’s proposed regulatory framework for an Administrative Monetary Penalty Systems (AMPS) would allow ASE offences to be processed by municipalities outside of the courts. If it goes ahead implementation is expected by year end or early 2023.
The Ontario Traffic Council says its AMPS Working Group has been working in partnership with the MTO to provide input and guidance in the development of an AMPS regime.
The OTC says, “The proposed regulation will enhance safety for vulnerable road users in Ontario by enabling municipalities throughout Ontario to use automated camera systems as a road safety tool.”
The OTC says many municipalities are not participating in automated enforcement programs, or may be, but at a reduced level of participation (i.e., lesser number of camera systems, limited hours of deployment – especially in relation to ASE) because of the pressure that these programs add to already overburdened courts. “The Government is to be lauded for moving forward with AMPS. This will provide a much-needed option for municipalities to opt into AMPS for these owner liability offences detected through the use of automated camera systems. As a result, municipalities will be able to decide where and when to use automated camera systems based on local data,” the OTC says.
Municipalities have already begun working with their Information Technology Departments to determine how best to implement the new AMPS regime. Some will make enhancements to existing systems while others will develop or purchase new systems.
The Government is to be lauded for moving forward with AMPS. This will provide a much-needed option for municipalities to opt into AMPS for these owner liability offences detected through the use of automated camera systems. As a result, municipalities will be able to decide where and when to use automated camera systems based on local data.
The OTC agrees with the key characteristics of the proposed regulation including the requirement to have a Provincial Offences Officer issue AMPS; a similar fine structure to that which exists today under the Provincial Offences Act; the inclusion of a victim component and plate denial for non-payment of AMPS.
