KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists who can prove that they paid traffic tickets during government’s recent amnesty that were already settled are eligible for a refund, according to security minister Peter Bunting.

Bunting, in a statement Wednesday, said that the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the courts are to update and reconcile their database to determine the accuracy of claims of double payment.

However, he did not give a timeline on the reconciliation of computer database in the two state agencies.

A full report on the traffic ticket amnesty and related issues will be made to the Cabinet and the Ministry of National Security will inform the public whether any additional measures will be implemented to address the issue of unpaid traffic tickets, the minister said.

Several motorists have complained that the list of unpaid tickets published by the TAJ show amounts that have already been settled with the Authorities.  

In many instances the motorists argue that receipts have long been discarded or misplaced, given the period of time.

“Where persons who have paid for tickets during the amnesty are able to provide proof of prior payment they will be eligible for a refund,” the minister said in the release from his ministry.

The terms of the amnesty dictated that the published sums are paid in full in order to avoid additional fees or penalties on unpaid tickets issued prior to September 21, 2010.

In effect Bunting’s position is that motorists pay the erroneous sum and await the refund from government.