The New South Wales government is getting tough with motorists who do not pay their traffic fines. They will deduct the money owed from offenders’ wages or bank accounts.
The New South Wales government is getting tough with motorists who do not pay their traffic fines. They have suspended their licences and will be taking the money owed off their wages or bank accounts.
According to the , the Australian state is attempting to reclaim about R2,8 million. One motorist will have R53 400 deducted from his bank account. The person has 36 unpaid fines in the state. The smallest total to be retrieved was for R840, and the average is R11 000.
The move to retrieve the money owed was approved last week, allowing the funds to be deducted by the State Debt Recovery Office. But it is a last resort and other means must first be attempted. This includes suspending drivers’ licences and cancelling car registrations.
And if offenders do not have the money, that does not mean a reprieve. The Office also has the right to seize property.
"This is the latest in a series of collection measures we are putting in place," Treasurer Michael Egan said. "We are serious about collecting this money, but we aren’t in the business of throwing people in jail for not paying a parking fine.
"These people must realise they do have a responsibility for paying up when they break the law."
Egan said jailing those who refused to pay fines or co-operate with other measures would always remain "an absolute last resort".
Should a similar system be an option in South Africa?
