Mixed reactions to ‘traffic fine deduction from salary’ proposal
Kuwait – The Interior Ministry has suggested a new method of exacting traffic fines from offenders – deducting the said amount from offenders’ salaries. This step was proposed in line with the Gulf Traffic Week that was observed here recently. If implemented, the step is believed to have lasting consequences.
Regardless of the circumstances and the reasons that have prompted the suggestion of such a measure, there is no common consensus among public on its pragmatic or beneficial nature. Ayman, a Lebanese expatriate, was shocked to learn of this suggestion. “I just cannot believe it. It is enough that traffic laws are so firm here already,” he complained. He added that this is not a practical step as it is not logical to deduct traffic tickets from people’s salary accounts in banks.
Maysoun, another Lebanese expatriate, feels that this step an intrusion into people’s privacy. She is totally against it. Mayssoun, who drove a car until a month ago, expressed certainty over this suggestion not seeing the light of the day. She admitted to receiving one speeding ticket.
Raafat, a Syrian expat, said that it makes no difference if he paid the amount in cash or if it were deducted from his salary deposited in his bank account. He, at the same time, said that many people would not approve of this act of invasion of privacy. Therefore, he thinks that such suggestions will not be implemented. ” It is not a great deal, but people will refuse it,” he said.
Sarah, a young Kuwaiti woman, said that this measure is just one among the suggestions that the government has been taking to reduce traffic offenses. “People will start abiding by the law when they are afraid of losing a part of their salaries,” she said.
Ahmad, an Egyptian expatriate, is in favor of the suggestion, ” It is the same. We have to pay it in the end anyway,” he added. He thinks that the Kuwaiti government has the right to take such a measure as it protects citizens’ safety and prevents careless drivers from creating accidents. This country is full of reckless drivers, they get many speeding tickets,” he added.
By Nisreen Zahreddine – Kuwait Times
