Proof on line !

One of things most people hate is getting notice of a fine in the mail - often weeks or even months after the supposed offence occurred.

Up until now the only recourse was to request a copy of the photographic evidence - and pay a fat fee for that service.

Now drivers can view photographs of vehicles incurring speed or red light camera offences on line - for free.

You will need to have the penalty notice to enable it's identification number to be entered - and match this with the registration number of your car to satisfy privacy concerns - and for some unknown reason you will also be asked to repeat a six digit random code, although what this is supposed to achieve is a moot point !

It will be a boon to families where a car is shared amongst members. Who was driving at the time the offence occurred ? Is the identification of the vehicle correct - or did the public servant responsible for identification from the photograph have a moment on inattention - or a hangover ?

It will certainly prove responsibility - something that may escape a driver's notice at the time because a camera is remorselessly snapping away without warning and with a long time interval before the fine arrives.

It will also cause a drop in contested court cases - freeing up court time and saving both parties money. It is a sensible move - long overdue - for which the Roads and Traffic Authority should be commended.