A new Summary Offences Procedure Amendment Act was introduced by the provincial government on Monday, which is designed to make it easier for residents to resolve traffic tickets by introducing several improvements, and a new online system.

These changes will first be implemented for traffic tickets, but will later extend to tickets for other offences.

The amendment will allow residents to request an extension to pay their fine without attending court, residents can enroll in the 'Fine Option Program' which will allow them to pay down their ticket prior to their court appearance, and it will allow ticket holders to take part in early resolution discussions with a prosecutor either online, by phone, or in writing.

The online system is being developed now and should be operational by this fall.

"The current procedure for resolving tickets can be cumbersome," Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. "These changes will modernize the court process and will provide citizens timely and effective access to justice."

According to a government release, tickets under the 'Traffic Safety Act' represent 90 per cent of all charges for provincial offences, with most of those coming from speeding, photo laser speed enforcement, red-light cameras, unregistered vehicles, and holding, viewing, or using a cell phone while driving.