So far, so good: No problems as traffic court resumes in La Salle County

La Salle County judges and court officials announced Monday would be the first day for traffic and other “nonessential” cases to resume. They opened the doors and held their collective breath.

So far, so good.

There were no long lines out the door. Court security reported no problems with traffic court defendants failing to abide by infection controls. The traffic court held no more than 11 bodies at one time and everyone stood 6 feet apart.

“People have been very cooperative and understanding,” Circuit Clerk Greg Vaccaro said. “We have a good game plan in place. We’re trying our best to handle it.”

The novel coronavirus pandemic had created a significant backlog of traffic cases, and there were concerns the first day back would lead to long lines and short fuses. No such problems materialized, however, and Vaccaro thinks it’s because most people have paid their traffic tickets online.

While a data analysis could not be furnished, Vaccaro made twin observations suggesting coronavirus has increased online disposition of traffic charges. The volume of fines paid remotely is normal and unchanged, but traffic charges overall are down sharply, as police have turned a blind eye to routine traffic offenses, such as failure to signal, to protect motorists and patrol officers alike. Vaccaro concluded infection-wary motorists largely plead out using the internet.

Whatever the explanation, the foot traffic was managed well. Court officials credited Judge Michael C. Jansz, who presides over traffic court, for spreading out cases in 15-minute increments and urging defendants to arrive on time.

Jansz, masked and seated behind plexiglass, confirmed in between calls the 15-minute intervals kept the foot traffic at a manageable level, frequently in single digits.

“It’s been pretty smooth,” Jansz said.

Court officials hope it stays that way, but additional challenges are expected. Small claims resume Tuesday at the downtown courthouse and Monday’s traffic call was comparatively light. Heavier foot traffic is anticipated in the days ahead.