Southern Interior Drivers Bring in Record Fines

When it comes to traffic fines, it was a record 4.3 million dollars in revenue for the Southern Interior this year.

theough a program expansion in 2004, all the cash will be given back to the municipalities to enhance policing and community-based public safety programs:

Kelowna: $1,465,713
Kamloops: $1,234,034
Vernon: $580,656
Penticton: $481,768
Salmon Arm: $163,199
Merritt: $100,711
Revelstoke: $97,571
Lake Country: $73,041
Summerland: $62,608
Coldstream: $52,929
Spallumcheen: $26,417

Community Services Minister Ida Chong says in the past, she's seen councils use the cash to launch traffic safety programs, methamphetamine awareness programs, youth outreach services, and Aboriginal policing initiatives.

Solicitor General John van Dongen tells us "This increased funding has also allowed municipalities to hire 560 new police officers."

The provincial revenue comes from ticket fines, and court-imposed fines on violation tickets.

Denise Wong - Astral Media Radio News (Kelowna)