Traffic Infringement WA - appealing or requesting waiver possible?

SaberX on 26/04/2017 - 22:33

Hi all,

Received a traffic infringement fine relating to 1 April today. Real depressing as I was real pumped after getting my credit card fee waived for the first time and saving money in the process (financial situation is tougher atm).

Fate would have it that I returned home to find a traffic infringement notice in my letter box. Of all the days…

I should note that since I got my license circa 2006 i have never, ever, received a traffic infringement or other notice/fine from the police let alone a parking fine. No cautions, or pull overs. So the timing of this is simply gut wrenching.

Just wondering if anyone knows how, and if one can appeal via written letter or phone to receive a caution/waiver of the fine similar to our eastern states companions - as per this ozb thread:

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/70291

Given I have had a clean record for close to 10-11 years, and I was done for doing 88 supposedly in the 80 zone, I would hope this calls for leniency.

It claims to be kwinana freeway, mill point road area so I am assuming the small gap inbetween the 80 km/hr and 100km/hr zone picks up. It seems from the picture they hid it in the road leading off the freeway south onto mill point - but at 5:30pm in the evening I did not notice any flashing? I assume it is correct, but somehow I always make a point to only speed up to 100 just after that area, as the 100 sign is nearing, thereby avoiding this tricky issue to catch people out. I can't prove otherwise that it's wrong… and it may indeed be right.

Regardless, it was a momentary lapse of attention which I have never been done for since receiving my license. I would hope I could apply for some leniency as the financial burden would be lessened.

Any hints, tips, or more importantly from those who have done it before - where and how should we write to the relevant WA department?

I can't find any department to write to listed on the WA police site.. so it looks like only our Eastern States friends get leniency for a minor infringement with a good track record?

Thanks all.

Automotive

Comments

  • SimbaGirl on 26/04/2017 - 22:51

    I've never received a traffic infringement notice either, so haven't had experience of the actual process, but this page https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Traffic/Infringements#private lists an address for Infringement Management and Operations, so that might be the division you need to write to. Alternatively, give them a call on the number listed on that page - 9374 4555 - and ask where to send a letter of appeal.

    • SaberX on 26/04/2017 - 23:09

      That's what I was wondering, but on the infringement notice that departments address corresponds to when you wish to request for court hearing to dispute etc. I guess I could try a letter of appeal on leniency… but spacebace below seems to believe the leniency letter won't result in anything in WA?

      WOndering if anyone has tried and gotten a waiver on that compassionate grounds for 'once off error/inattention' and a clean record…

  • spackbace on 26/04/2017 - 22:53

    For those playing at home, this fine incurs zero demerits and $100.

    WA doesn't have that leniency situation; not many states do.

    Just pay the fine and move on. You've done well to avoid anything over the years, but frankly it'll be tougher to talk/write your way out of it than the $100 will cover.

    For $100 you'll be rid of it. Letter/calls etc etc will just see you stressing for no particular reason.

    • SaberX on 26/04/2017 - 23:12

      I thought of just sending an appeal letter similar to the eastern states method of admitting responsibility and with regards to my clean record if they would be lenient in issuing a caution/waiving the fine as an once off leniency goodwill.

      So i take it then that no one has managed to appeal with leniency (as opposed to arguing with an 'excuse' - which I neither am intending to do or able , as it is most undeniably my fault).

      Yes, no demerit points. But it doesn't matter to me anyway as i've never lost any. I'drather they take 8 demerits now and save the $100.

    • Diji1 on 26/04/2017 - 23:58
      -1

      Or appeal it and don't feel screwed by gummints.

      • spackbace on 27/04/2017 - 00:00
        +2

        You mean have your day in court, costing you a day off work + parking/transport, to save $100?

        Doesn't sound like good math to me…

        • cypher67 on 27/04/2017 - 09:19

          Agreed - unless you have sort of evidence to prove you didn't commit the offence, no point wasting an entire day rolling the dice with nothing but proof you hadn't been caught before

        • ChickenTalon on 27/04/2017 - 11:41
          +1

          You mean have your day in court, costing you a day off work + parking/transport, chance to save $100?

          Fixed that for you. The maths is indeed pretty bad, plus you were speeding, so who knows what your chances actually are.

          Pay the fine and move on.

        • SaberX on 27/04/2017 - 14:36

          @ChickenTalon:

          There's no denying the fault/responsibility. My query was more relating to whether like the eastern states we could request a caution or leniency on the basis of being an once off, good track record etc.

  • Qroozn on 26/04/2017 - 23:17

    Have you looked interested seeking a SECTION 10 dismissal?
    Try speaking to your local member of parliament; I have a feeling that they can advise you.

    • Euphemistic on 27/04/2017 - 09:42

      Don't waste a MPs time on a speeding fine you don't want to pay.

  • altomic on 27/04/2017 - 00:30
    +1

    just say Teresa Brennan was driving.

  • MITM on 27/04/2017 - 07:51

    Move on. You'll give yourself an ulcer. Life's too short.

    You did wrong. You admit it. You got caught out. $100 hurts, but it isn't huge. It's been a month already, how much time do you want to devote to this ?

    • SaberX on 27/04/2017 - 14:37

      I only received it yesterday. I was only querying as it is an unexpected bill that does impact (maybe not for you, but for others sometimes these things are financially sensitive).

      No issues with responsibility, more of asking for options on appealing on the basis of an unblemished record. Just a leniency question - given it's available to those in the eastern states.

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