LOCAL Police officers will soon be able to issue electronic infringement notices (EIN) under changes to be introduced to NSW Parliament, freeing up officers to spend more time on the frontline, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said today.
Mr Marshall said the change to current legislation would allow frontline police to issue fines via email and mobile text message.
It follows a successful trial in which officers were able to give offenders the option to receive fines electronically either by email or text message.
“The trial made the process of issuing and receiving fines easier for both police and offenders,” Mr Marshall said.
“During the trial officers were able to issue an infringement without having to return to the station which meant they spent more time out on the beat,” Mr Marshall said.
“This method will be a huge advantage for rural police who currently have to travel long distances to return to their station to complete paperwork.
“This is about creating more ease and efficiency for police to issue infringements and for those who receive fines to be able to pay them more quickly.”
While the trial involved a limited range of traffic infringement notices, it is now intended to enable NSW Police to issue an EIN for any offence which can attract an infringement notice as a penalty.
Mr Marshall said the wider use of electronic infringements would provide greater flexibility and choice.
“While there is nothing voluntary about receiving an infringement notice, those fined will have the option to receive the notice electronically or on paper under these reforms,” Mr Marshall said.
“Those who cannot or are uncomfortable with receiving an electronic infringement notice will still have the option of receiving a paper-based notice.”
Anyone who provides a false email address or mobile number or fails to pay the fine by the due date will be followed up by the Office of State Revenue.