TORONTO- The Province of Ontario is looking at the possibility of introducing an online administrative monetary penalty system (AMPS) to replace much of the existing court system that deals with traffic-related infractions.

The Province has not committed to moving to an AMPS system, but is seeking input on such a move. And you can have your say on April 7 from 10 a.m. to noon because the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General will be hosting a meeting with the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) and all are invited to attend.

The OTA claims that under the new concept, traffic charges can still be disputed, but much of the process would be online. The ministry claims that any new system developed would need to be fair, effective and maintain the principles of procedural fairness, including the right to be heard before an unbiased decision-maker.

But Toronto-based paralegal Jason Pearce believes AMPS would mean drivers and fleet owners will face more demerit points; higher fines and much higher insurance rates.

Pearce commented: “The days of going to court and winning because the right to defend yourself or the officer not showing up will be gone.” 

The purpose of the April 7 meeting is for carriers and truck drivers to decide if the proposed online system would be of benefit or hinder their ability to dispute Municipal or Highway Traffic Act offences. That’s why they’re inviting everyone to join the discussion on April 7 and urge carriers to consider the questions below and come prepared to address the issues. 

Discussion questions

1. What benefits and challenges do you see in the current court system with regards to challenging: municipal offences (parking tickets), provincial offences issued by MTO officers (scale violations) and provincial offences issued by the OPP?
2. What benefits and challenges do you see moving forward with an online system with regards to challenging: municipal offences (parking tickets), provincial offences issued by MTO officers (scale violations) and provincial offences issued by the OPP?
3. What kind of infractions do you think could be fairly and appropriately addressed in an online legal system?
4. If the first phase of the transition to an online system was to focus on traffic infractions, what should be included? What should be excluded?
5. If you deal with a municipality that is currently using an online appeal system for parking infractions, please tell us about your experience. What did you like/dislike about the system?
6. In general, what impact would such a have on your organization? What challenging implementation issues do you foresee?

To register for the meeting, click here. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can click here to submit your responses to the questions about the online judicial system.  Responses will be kept confidential.

After lunch, from1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the OTA has arranged for MTO staff to provide a briefing on Bill 31 (Making Ontario’s Roads Safer).  Bill 31, if passed, contains a number of measures that impact the trucking industry that may be of interest to carriers, the association has said.