Ontario’s Ombudsman is looking for changes to how the Ministry of Transportation notifies drivers whose licenses are suspended.
Paul Dube has made 41 recommendations for improvement.
A recent review found notices to 5,000 suspended drivers never made it to them.
Dube says problems with the Ministry’s communications, record-keeping and customer service have resulted in many drivers unknowingly driving while suspended.
Dube says in some cases, drivers paid the outstanding fines but were not aware of a reinstatement fee to get their licence back.
He notes suspensions take effect the day the Ministry mails out the notices.
Dube says the entire system is “fundamentally flawed”.
He adds he would like the Ministry to use other forms of communication, instead of only mail.
Dube suggests using text messages, email or even an on-line portal to advise people of license suspension.
Dube also recommends a rework of the wording of its forms to make them easier to understand.
