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08/03/2004
'Payback' time for fine dodgers, warns government
The government has insisted that its 'Payback' time as it launched a clampdown on people who fail to pay criminal fines set by the courts.
A campaign warning of the planned blitz on unpaid fines - called 'Operation Payback' - will urge fine defaulters to pay up or suffer the consequences. Persistent dodgers could face fines being deducted from wages or benefits or even arrest and imprisonment.
In December 2003, more than £350 million worth of fines was outstanding in England and Wales.
Courts Minister Chris Leslie said the Operation would start soon, but the exact timing will be kept secret.
"Operation Payback means that money owed to the court, and therefore the taxpayer, as well as compensation owed to victims, is collected," he said.
"It's also about ensuring that the public has confidence in the way the criminal justice system operates and the best way to achieve that is to ensure that court imposed penalties are properly enforced."
He said the advertising campaign would give people a chance to come clean and pay outstanding fines immediately to avoid possible arrest.
"If they don't, the next knock on the door could mean payback time has come. The government is sending a clear message to those who have been fined that payment is not optional and that penalties must be paid."
In March 2003, 45% of fines imposed were not paid on time. The government aims to raise collection to at least 75% of criminal penalties by the end of March 2004.
The police will help to identify which warrants should be executed, verify information and accompany court arrest teams.
(gmcg)
A campaign warning of the planned blitz on unpaid fines - called 'Operation Payback' - will urge fine defaulters to pay up or suffer the consequences. Persistent dodgers could face fines being deducted from wages or benefits or even arrest and imprisonment.
In December 2003, more than £350 million worth of fines was outstanding in England and Wales.
Courts Minister Chris Leslie said the Operation would start soon, but the exact timing will be kept secret.
"Operation Payback means that money owed to the court, and therefore the taxpayer, as well as compensation owed to victims, is collected," he said.
"It's also about ensuring that the public has confidence in the way the criminal justice system operates and the best way to achieve that is to ensure that court imposed penalties are properly enforced."
He said the advertising campaign would give people a chance to come clean and pay outstanding fines immediately to avoid possible arrest.
"If they don't, the next knock on the door could mean payback time has come. The government is sending a clear message to those who have been fined that payment is not optional and that penalties must be paid."
In March 2003, 45% of fines imposed were not paid on time. The government aims to raise collection to at least 75% of criminal penalties by the end of March 2004.
The police will help to identify which warrants should be executed, verify information and accompany court arrest teams.
(gmcg)
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