Drivers unfortunate enough to get a traffic ticket in Schley County can now reach for the plastic and a computer mouse when paying.

Schley County Probate Court recently announced an online payment option for most of the traffic citations issued, said Probate Judge Mitzi Way. Credit card or debit card payments can now be made over the Internet at www.schleytix.com without leaving the comfort of home or office — and citation holders can call the toll free help line for assistance.

“This solution enhances the public’s access to the court, makes us available 24 hours a day, and greatly increases the court’s efficiency through the use of technology, all at no cost to the taxpayer,” Way said. “This represents all we hope to see in the effective judicial system.”

Working with nCourt LLC, an Atlanta-based government technology company, Schley County Probate Court is now providing services to the public that were only dreamed about two or three years ago.

David Morris, CEO of nCourt, said dozens of municipal, probate and traffic courts in Georgia, Missouri, Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi and other states have partnered with his company since it began offering online citation payments.

“It is a user-pay, voluntary program that has demonstrated enormous appeal, both to the public and the courts who serve them,” Morris said. “This ‘no-cost to the court’ solution greatly increases the efficiency of court operations, allows people to use a credit card to pay a fine, and therefore, brings more money to municipalities.

“Simply stated it’s better government, greater convenience to the public and more revenue. How can you beat that?”

With the implementation of this service, Schley County is keeping pace with the increasing trend towards online payments, Way said. Online bill payment has been steadily increasing and, according to Harris Interactive, in the past year, accounted for fully 35 percent of all bills paid — compared to 37 percent paid by check. Drivers receiving traffic tickets in Schley County now have access to the same convenient method of payment they have grown used to for purchasing the myriad of goods and services the Internet has made available.

Although there are some tickets issued where a court appearance is mandated, on days when court is held, most people showing up, “just want to pay their ticket and satisfy minor offenses like running a stop sign or not wearing a seat belt. This is a perfect way to do it without taking time off from work or losing time with family at home,” Way said. “The online payment program provides much needed reduction in the court docket and foot traffic into the courthouse while bringing more revenue into the county.

“This is a real plus for the county, the court system and the offender. Everybody wins.”