Fisherman fined for not wearing seat belt driving onto boat ramp
A fisherman has questioned police motives after he was fined almost $400 and lost three demerit points for not wearing a seat belt on a boat ramp.
Queensland man Nico Brand received an unpleasant ending to his weekend fishing trip when he was fined.
He says common sense should have prevailed.
“It’s not nice to swallow - $365 and three points,” he said.
Police issued the fine when Mr Brand was retrieving his outboard on the boat ramp.
“The police officer observed the gentleman in question approaching the boat ramp in his vehicle without wearing a seatbelt,” Snr Sgt John Mahoney from Caloundra police said.
“I was a bit gobsmacked and I said well just go ahead and write it up then,” Mr Brand said.
Mr Brand concedes he will pay the fine but questions whether police had other motives.
“Why wasn’t my fine not having lights on the back of the trailer?”
“Its blatant revenue raising.”
Snr Sgt Mahoney said it is not a revenue raising exercise.
Police have defended the fine explaining they were called to the boat ramp after complaints from the public.
Snr Sgt Mahoney added that the land is public and when a car is moving forward the driver and passengers must wear seat belts.
“Car parks and areas adjacent to boat ramps are road related areas,” he said.
Mr Brand asked his fine to be reviewed.
“Was I breaking law? Well, in black and white, yeah,” he said.
