Local enforcement system

I refer to the letter by Terry J. Cook titled A Ticket To Wonderland.

While sympathising with Mr Cook for the hassle he had to undergo and fully understanding his frustration, I would like to take the opportunity to briefly explain the local enforcement system (LES) payment procedure related to contraventions.

Any person who would like to pay a ticket can do so at any local council (with the exception of the Birzebbuga, Gudja and Marsa local councils) from Mondays to Fridays between 8.30 a.m. and 12 noon. Alternatively, one can send a cheque addressed to the local council where the ticket was issued and made payable to the same local council, or, if it is more convenient for him/her to do so, pay online at www.les.gov.mt.

Tickets issued by local wardens can be paid on the same day on which they are issued as these are inputted electronically and data is transmitted in "real-time". However, since police tickets and tickets originating from transport authority enforcement officers are still being issued manually they require a longer period to be processed. It is, therefore, advisable to await at least six weeks before paying a contravention issued by the police or the transport authority in order to ascertain that the records have been updated.

Tickets issued by education welfare officers can only be paid after the Local Tribunal has delivered judgment. Due to the nature of these offences, the person is requested to appear before the Local Tribunal so that the Commissioner for Justice can evaluate the reason for school absenteeism.

The seven-day payment period indicated on the back of the police ticket and on the local warden tickets refers to the initiation of  the Local Tribunal proceedings and therefore no further fines or penalties will be incurred even though this seven-day period has elapsed, provided one pays the fine before the date of the Local Tribunal hearing.

The comments by Mr Cook are being taken on board with a view to improving the payment system.

I encourage anyone who requires assistance with the local enforcement system to send an e-mail to helpline.lc@gov.mt. In addition, anyone requiring assistance regarding the filing or outcome of any petition can phone on freephone number 8007 2373.