The provincial government has offered $2,000 refunds to hundreds of motorists who received immediate roadside suspensions for drinking and driving.
A lawyer for some says the letter is an acknowledgment Victoria should not have additionally penalized all suspended drivers by forcing them to install an ignition breathalyzer lock on their vehicles and attend a responsible driver course.
Vancouver lawyer Paul Doroshenko, a leading critic of the controversial three-year-old program, says the move could presage a whopping bill for taxpayers.
“Mostly I’m angry that they didn’t simply send cheques,” Doroshenko said.
“They seem to know the amount people paid for the interlock and RDP. Instead they’ll only give you the money that they admit they owe you if you waive your right to any other damages. And then it’s in multiple steps. And after the first release they intend to send people a second release?”
Everyone’s driving record is supposed to be taken into account, Doroshenko said, and the mandatory imposition of the penalties indicated they weren’t doing that.
In February, rather than go to court, Victoria said it would review the cases.
It now has done an about-face.
“The big issue is how will it play out for the remaining approximately 34,000 (who have received suspensions)?” Doroshenko said.