Listin Diario reports that Metropolitan Transport Authority (AMET) police agents will soon use handheld computers linked via the Internet to process fines and detect stolen vehicles. Oneximo Gonzalez, director of AMET, said each unit will cost the state US$1,200 but the money will be recovered in the first six months from fines. Offenders will be able to pay fines on the spot using their credit or debit cards. Those who do not want to pay this way will receive a ticket to be paid at a Banco de Reservas branch. If the penalty is disputed, the driver may go to court. If the fine is not paid and no court ruling is issued, the fines will accumulate on the driver’s record and eventually the driver could have his vehicle confiscated. Gonzalez told Listin Diario that his department will be installing an Intelligence Camera System for the surveillance of highways and heavily travelled points in cities nationwide. The new system will also serve as a radar to measure speed on highways. It will be operational before the end of 2002, says Gonzalez.
