SAN ANTONIO – Starting next week, citizens with uncontested tickets or citations can begin trying out a new video kiosk in the Municipal Court lobby at 401 S. Frio, according to its presiding judge John Bull.
He said three others will be in operation the first week of June at the Community Link Service Center at Brooks City-Base, and two HEB stores at Potranco and Loop 1604 and at Huebner and Babcock.
"What this is set up for is traffic violations, most people that are not contesting the case," Bull said.
He said usually those cases involve those asking for deferred adjudication, a form of probation, or defensive driving in order to keep the ticket off their driving record.
Bull said anyone familiar with touch screens or their smart phones will find the kiosk easy to follow.
He said the person first will be connected to the court clerk who will talk to them about what they need, before the judge appears in another screen.
Bull said all three will be able to speak to each other before the clerk hangs up to handle other calls.
The kiosk also is set up to handle payments by debit or credit cards, Bull said.
He said the court can then mail or email the court order.
Municipal Court judge Alfredo Tavera, who will handle many of the cases, said the kiosks will make it easier for the general public who now has to contend with long lines and limited parking.
"It's a great, great use of technology," Tavera said. "Cases are being disposed of, taken care of, and that's the name of the game."
Bull said Cisco and Vyopta handled the computer hardware and software for the four kiosks.
He said the cost was $100,000 from the Municipal Court technology fund.