There are ALOT of oil-rich people in that neck of the woods I hear.....
Speeding biker pays $12,000 fine rather than lose licence
Motorcyclist caught travelling 263 km/h
Erika Beauchesne
The Edmonton Journal; with files from Canwest News Service
Saturday, August 30, 2008
EDMONTON - A $12,000 speeding fine was handed to an Alberta motorcyclist caught roaring along Highway 16 at 263 km/h, more than twice the posted speed limit.
The rider, a Hinton resident, struck a deal with the Crown prosecutor that allowed him to keep his licence in exchange for the high fine, said RCMP Sgt. Ron Lyons.
A police officer spotted the man on May 1 driving a Honda motorcycle along a stretch of Highway 16 between Edson and Hinton, where the speed limit is 110 km/h.
The officer gave chase but was unable to catch up, Lyons said. The same officer later spotted the motorcycle in Hinton.
The Edson Traffic Court handed down the massive fine Aug. 27.
"I've never seen a fine like that before," he said. "A fine of $1,000 is usually a lot." Lyons said the huge fine is an effective way to dissuade speeders.
"It makes you think of the risk and rewards. What is the financial cost if I get caught? Twelve thousand dollars would make a significant impact on your lifestyle and make you gauge the consequences." But Moin Yahya, an assistant professor of law at the University of Alberta, said it depends on the speeder's income.
"If they're trying to send a message of deterrence, can you really deter a rich person with a fine? Twelve thousand dollars for someone who makes a lot of money -- that's not a big deal." Yahya said it raises an interesting argument that socio-legal scholars have often debated.
"Some say you don't use jail to deter poor people, you use fines. But there's others who say jail is more of a deterrent for rich people," he said.
"If there's an equality issue, that's another concern -- are people buying their way out of a licence suspension?" In Alberta, drivers caught going 51 km/h or more over the posted speed limit can lose their licences.
The settlement was negotiated at the Edson Traffic Court by Crown prosecutor Vern Colley, who earlier this year also worked out an $8,500 fine for a Prince George, B.C., man caught driving his car at 206 km/h in the same area.
Colley confirmed Friday he worked out deals for both high fines but refused to comment further, saying he needed to consult with his boss.
Alberta Justice did not return calls for comment.
Hinton is about 280 kilometres west of Edmonton.
