Enforcement of fines 'needs improving’

Press, 25 January 1986, Page 16

Enforcement of fines 'needs improving’

PA Wellington Existing methods of enforcing and collecting fines need to be improved, according to a Justice Department study. While the present system enjoyed a reasonably high success rate, the process could be improved and show a better return, said the Minister of Justice, Mr Palmer. The study found the present system recovered almost 85 per cent of fines within 12 months of their being imposed. Fines were relatively cheap to administer, did not disadvantage the offender socially and carried less stigma than most other sentences, Mr Palmer said. The study suggested ways of diverting fines from the present system, such as use of wheel locks and towage, with release of vehicles on the payment of a fee.

Alternatively unpaid traffic and other infringement fees could be treated as civil debts to be actioned by local bodies. Another option could be attaching unpaid traffic fines to vehicle registration. The study suggested the enforcement system could be simplified at such stages as Imposition of the fine, reminder notices and summonses. Other recommendations covered staff training, computerisation and the provision of information and payment facilities. Many difficulties appeared to be the direct result of the volume of fines being processed, Mr Palmer said. The study’s recommendations were being considered and Cabinet would be asked to approve changes in fines imposition, collection and enforcement, he said.