B.C. website to help people dispute violation tickets
Posted July 8, 2021 9:24 am.
Last Updated July 8, 2021 9:27 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The province is hoping a new website can help British Columbians resolve disputes over violation tickets more easily.
The B.C. government claims the self-serve site will help people “better understand and resolve” disputes over violation tickets, without having to do so in a court room every time.
Using what the province describes as “plain language and simple questions,” the website provides users with resources, including around how to pay and dispute fines, and how to request a fine reduction or more time to pay.
“This new tool will consolidate existing information into one place, helping British Columbians to learn about and resolve their ticket issues without always having to go to court,” said Attorney General David Eby. “It is another step forward as we work to update B.C.’s justice system to better support the needs of people.”
The website features information about tickets of all kinds – from municipal to federal violations — including those related to driving, businesses, or even fishing.
The Provincial Court is welcoming the introduction of this website.
“Our website metrics show there’s a high interest in this information, and the ‘guided pathways’ in this tool will help people find specific information about their type of ticket quickly and easily,” said Melissa Gillespie, chief judge of the Provincial Court.
According to the province, there are more than 500,000 violation tickets issued in B.C. every year. More than 80,000 ticket disputes are heard in court annually.
