what one court staffer called a routine problem on traffic court day.

Tracey Kelly, the court's administrator, said the problem of crowding hundreds of speeders -- this time 294 -- into the three courtrooms had "almost become routine''.

Mr. Kelly added traffic court is still usually finished by 4.30 p.m.

Thursday's hearing was delayed by 15 minutes while court staff rushed to organise paperwork.

One man complained the system of piling on court appearances of "relatively minor'' speeders was unnecessary.

"They should push the limit for paying at the window past 60 kph,'' the unidentified man said. "People at high speeds should come to court'' Another man said: "I've been here a half hour and it looks like it's going to cost me a parking ticket. I'm surprised by the numbers here.'' All three magistrates were sitting with their courtrooms packed while there were dozens of people waiting in the lobby.

When asked about reform to the system, Mr. Kelly said there had been some discussion of adding an additional session for traffic offenders, but any reform would take time to take effect.

And allowing people caught speeding near the lower limit to mail in their fines would have to be done by a change of law, he said.

Yesterday, Attorney General and Minister of Legislative Affairs Lois Browne Evans said any changes to the law would have to be recommended.

"No, the Government hasn't considered changing the boundary at which people exceeding the speed limit can mail in their fine or not appear in court,'' Mrs. Browne Evans said.

"We act upon instructions of the Minister (Paula Cox),'' she added. "It would have to go through the proper route.'' Mrs. Browne-Evans, referring to the people gathered outside Magistrates' Court, added: "Yes, we saw them on Thursday. People are grumbling as they always have. But you have to make the proper steps.'' Traffic woes: Nearly 300 people jammed the Magistrate's Court building on Parliament Street Thursday. They were all summoned for weekly traffic court.