The province’s Justice Minister says the current system of administrating fines for traffic infractions is not working.

Andrew Parsons was responding to a new pilot project that will address drivers who owe thousands, if not, tens of thousands in fines. The pilot project will see people owing large amounts work off their debt, acknowledging that they can’t, or won’t. pay the money they owe.

Parsons says some might believe it’s easier to just lock people up for outstanding fines, but that is not necessarily the right approach.

He says it costs approximately $110,000 per year to house one person in jail. Parsons believes in paying your dues for offences committed, but also realizes in reality, you can’t get blood from a stone.

He says putting someone in jail for being poor is something we shouldn’t strive for, and frankly is not working.