Traffic fines in Changhua County exceeded 200 million yuan, sparking concerns about police overcharging. The Changhua County Police Department collected 584.52 million yuan in traffic fines last year, exceeding the annual budget of 380 million yuan by more than 200 million yuan. This has raised concerns among county councilors that the police may be overcharging motorists in order to meet performance targets.
County Councilor Lai Qingmei pointed out that the traffic fine revenue budget has been 380 million yuan for the past 10 years, but the final figure has increased every year. In particular, the number of traffic fines increased sharply from 2020 to 2022, with last year’s total being the highest ever.
Lai Qingmei questioned whether the police were issuing excessive fines in order to meet performance targets. She also pointed out that the number of speed cameras and other technological law enforcement measures in the county has been increasing, which suggests that the police are not lacking in resources to enforce traffic laws.
County Police Chief Zhang Guoxiong denied that the police were overcharging motorists. He said that the increase in traffic fines was due to the fact that the fines themselves had been increased following a revision of the traffic law. He also said that the number of traffic tickets issued had not increased significantly in recent years.
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However, Zhang Guoxiong acknowledged that the police were considering adjusting the annual traffic fine revenue budget for next year in light of the current social situation. He said that a final decision had not yet been made.
The concerns raised by County Councilor Lai Qingmei are valid. It is important to ensure that the police are not overcharging motorists in order to meet performance targets. The police should also be transparent about how they are using the revenue from traffic fines.
![Traffic Fines](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Traffic-fines-2.webp)
The unprecedented surge in traffic fines in Zhang County has stirred a complex debate about law enforcement, public order, and community well-being. As the community and council grapple with finding an optimal solution, it is evident that a delicate balance must be struck between enforcing rules and nurturing a sense of responsibility. Only through collaboration, transparency, and innovative approaches can the county hope to resolve this issue and ensure safer roads for all.
Source: news.ltn.