There was a time when the automatic transmission motor vehicle was not so popular in Jamaica as it is today, when debates about 'stick' and 'matic' raged and the hyper-macho swore they would never be caught dead in an automatic transmission vehicle.

The debates have subsided, we suspect, not least of all because the manual transmission is becoming rarer and traffic jams longer, but we were reminded about them by Dwight Nelson's comments about the new traffic-ticketing system. The Gleaner reported yesterday that there will be a new system in a month, the national security minister quoted as saying, "what we are doing is taking the manual system which now exists and creating an automated system which will make it more efficient." He also added that motorists would be more accountable on the spot.

fines and point deduction

We were not told directly, however, just which deficiency the new system is designed to address. it was left up to us to read between the lines when Mr Nelson further told The Gleaner that sanctions, such as fines and point deduction from licences, were already in place to deal with traffic offenders, but the new system is expected to be more effective in applying them.

In other words, the human element will be reduced so the system can work better.

Now, lessening human input into the traffic-ticketing system to increase effectiveness in applying the designated punishment to those who break the law can be due to two reasons only. There is many an error being made between a motorist being ticketed and the requisite fine being paid or court appearance made. Or the motorist and the police personnel are able to thwart the course of justice at the very outset. In the latter case, corruption would be presumed to be more or less standard.

Based on the number of cases which have come to public attention in recent times, we strongly suspect that while, undoubtedly, both scenarios exist, the latter is more commonplace and the real reason for the automated system. In other words, it is highly likely that a new traffic-ticketing system is being introduced because corruption is endemic at the point of contact between the officer of the law and the lawbreaker.

If this is so, we point out the obvious. As ingenious a people as we are, it will only be a matter of time before the corruption also gets automated and is back into the system and all would have been for naught. We would also point out the obvious. installing a system to bypass corruption is tantamount to conceding that it is entrenched to the point where it cannot be exorcised.

standard behaviour

We refuse to believe this. If a purchased 'bligh' is the real issue here, could the police force's self-investigatory arm not make those of their colleagues who indulge in 'business' as standard behaviour fear being caught, with a sting operation or two? And not at the point of collection after a motorist has reported what is really an extortion attempt, but on the road?

It cannot be that hard to identify high corruption areas and have undercover officers drive head-on into the situation.

In the end, there is no solution to inefficiency like rooting out the inefficient, whether they are deliberately or haplessly so.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.