Postal Service says it’s immune from local traffic laws, report says

August 1, 2012: U.S. Postal Service trucks are seen in Manhasset, New York. (Reuters)

A government lawyer is attempting to get dismissed almost $700 in traffic tickets given to U.S. Postal Service employees in Cleveland, claiming it is immune from state and local regulations, Yahoo! News reported.

Postal Service attorney Jennifer. S. Breslin says the infractions, which include speeding citations and red-light infractions, should be ignored.

"In providing mail service across the country, the Postal Service attempts to work within local and state laws and regulations, when feasible," she said in a letter responding to a summons for payment, according to Cleveland.com.

“However, as you are probably aware, the Postal Service enjoys federal immunity from state and local regulation,” Breslin wrote.

The attorney for American Traffic Solutions, the company that enforces East Cleveland's camera citations, referenced the Postal Service's own safety manual, which says truck drivers should and have been held accountable, Yahoo! News reported.

“By attempting to hide behind an immunity claim, you are aiding and abetting your drivers in their blatant disregard for the traffic laws in East Cleveland, which have endangered other drivers, pedestrians and school children," ATS attorney George Hittner said in a response to Breslin.

East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton told Cleveland.com he questions why the Postal Service did not decide to make their drivers pay for the infraction.

The mayor said he is unsure about the validity of the agency's immunity claims.

“I was unaware that the post office doesn’t have to stop at red lights or obey the speed limit,” he told Cleveland.com. “But since they are, I wish I’d get my mail faster.”

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