Police give drivers cash instead of tickets

In one town in America the police have broken with tradition to take part in a little seasonal generosity by handing drivers cash instead of tickets.

This is happening in Monroe County, about 60 miles south of Atlanta. Instead of tickets for minor traffic violations drivers being pulled over were given cold hard cash by the cops instead.

Don't worry, the cash isn't coming from city taxpayers, it's coming from an anonymous donor or 'Secret Santa'.%VIRTUAL-ArticleSidebar-Christmas%

The donor gave $5,400 to launch the goodwill drive on the condition that the police spread a little Christmas cheer.

The sheriff had his deputies five the $100 to 'people who looked like they could use it' and obviously local citizens are thrilled with the initiative!

Some of the motorists who got given cash instead of a ticket even offered to hug the officers handing the money over.

The local sheriff said: "We felt like this program was a good way to give back to the community and say, 'Merry Christmas'."

The idea has become such a hit that another anonymous donor has handed over a cool $5,000 to extend the goodwill for another week, into the new year.

It's definitely a good idea, let's just hope that people don't get into any accidents while trying to get hold of their very own $100 handout!