The Wichita City Council on Tuesday approved startup funding for a system that will allow police to issue traffic tickets electronically instead of writing them out by hand.
The startup cost is $504,300, although $150,000 of that will be paid by a federal grant. There would be an estimated benefit of $1 million over five years because of improved efficiencies, Police Capt. Darrell Atteberry told the council.
The council had considered the project April 10, but it delayed making a decision until more information could be provided on cost savings.
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The system will begin paying for itself by the 2013-14 fiscal year, he added.The equipment will digitally download driver information by scanning the driver’s license. The officer will use a touch screen to select the offense and print out a ticket that will look like a cash register receipt.
Police also have said using electronic tickets will make it safer for everyone because it will speed up the time officers and drivers have to spend stopped along the side of the road.
(from Wichita Eagle: News Updates http://www.kansas.com/2012/05/01/2317939/wichita-city-council-approves.html)