James Debono Public authorities have been found in the wrong in 68% of cases decided by the petitions board this year, an increase from last year’s 54%.
The petitions board, where individuals can contest traffic contraventions, revoked 2,628 fines issued by local councils, police and other public authorities between January and July 2009.
These amount to two-thirds of the 3,894 fines that were decided by the board during the year. The board still has to take a decision on 5,676 more fines presented in 2009.
Most of the fines presented to the petitions board in 2008, 84%, consist of fines issued by wardens and speed cameras. A total of 9,570 fines were protested in the first six months of 2009, leaving 5,676 tickets pending.
These represent a small fraction of the total 102,279 fines issued by wardens and speed cameras in the same period – an indication that citizens tend to resort to the board only in cases were they have grounds to contest the fine.
The board can revoke any fines issued by law enforcement agencies, and plaintiffs have the right not to appear in front of local tribunals until the petition is decided upon by the board. Citizens can appeal to the board on any case which can be heard before Commissioners for Justice.
These include contraventions relating to traffic and parking, wearing of seat belts, contraventions against the Control of Dogs Regulations, contraventions against the Litter Act, dumping and disposal of waste in streets and public places, and activities relating to permits by local councils. Citizens can also appeal against contraventions related to student absenteeism.
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