Nearly 50,000 residents across Hume and Whittlesea have 322,000
unpaid fines totalling $113.3 million, according to figures released by
the Sheriff’s Office last week.
Hume accounts for $78.5 milion and Whittlesea $34.8 million. The
2012-13 financial year figures show a police crackdown has failed to
stem the rise in unpaid fines – now more than $1.3 billion across the
state.
Offences involving tolls, speeding and parking are among the most prevalent.
Sheriff of Victoria, Brendan Facey, said too many people were
letting their fines get out of control. “Getting help with your fines is
easy, ignoring them will lead to action from the Sheriff’s Office,” he
said.
The Sheriff’s Office arrested more than 2000 people and took
action over more than 1.1 million warrants last year – up more than 27
per cent from the previous year.
Mr Facey said most people were paying their fines on time, but a minority deliberately tried to cheat the system.
“Clearly some people are not getting the message until a sheriff’s
officer clamps their car, suspends their driver’s licence or arrests
them,” he said.
Across the state, 728,549 people have 3,760,798 unpaid fines worth $1,316,218,549.
Hume residents owe the second-most money in the state, while City
of Casey residents owe the most money – $84 million in unpaid fines.
Hume Inspector Tim Hansen said Hume police conducted joint ANPR
(automatic number plate recognition) operations with the Sheriff’s
Office every fortnight.
During an August 8 operation in Camp Road, Broadmeadows, 3922
vehicles were checked and 36 offences detected. Two drivers were caught
driving while their licences were suspended.
The Sheriff’s Office wheel-clamped 21 vehicles relating to 653
outstanding warrants and finalised a further 140 warrants to the value
of $42,337.
Mr Facey said the Sheriff’s Office had a range of strategies to help recover money.
“You could be tapped on the shoulder at a shopping centre, at your work, home or on the road,” he said.
» Outstanding fines can be paid at fines.vic.gov.au
