Quebec City cops won't be forced to hand out more tickets
KEVIN DOUGHERTYGazette Quebec Bureau
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
QUEBEC - Quebec Superior Court Justice Bernard Godbout has rejected a demand from the city of Quebec that he order municipal police officers to give out more traffic tickets.
The police, who have been without a labour contract since the end of 2006, are using pressure tactics - wearing military camouflage trousers and caps and handing out fewer tickets - to press their case.
The city argued before the judge that fewer tickets mean more accidents.
Justice Godbout, in rejecting the city's demand, said it had not proven its case, noting that there are probably other factors influencing the number of accidents since the pressure tactics began.
And while the city's expert affirmed a causal relationship, he did not offer proof and an injunction can only be granted "to remedy a state of observable facts," the judge said.
kdougherty@thegazette.canwest.com