Menu
07/05/2004
Minister hails improved fines enforcement success
Courts Minister Christopher Leslie has announced that improved enforcement in relation to unpaid fines has brought in £13.4 million.
Following significant improvements in fines enforcement during 2003/04, an extra £13.4 million has been paid against what was forecast at the end of June.
In addition, magistrates' courts exceeded the 75% fines collection target, achieving a 76% collection rate over the final quarter of last year.
A tough fines enforcement regime announced last summer by the Government promised a crackdown on fine defaulters, but the Minister has increased the national fines collection target to 78%.
Describing the figures as "good news", Mr Leslie said: "This is a success story which cuts across the public and private sectors and involves the expertise and co-operation of many agencies within the Criminal Justice System.
"Government has provided the policy and legislative framework to pursue fine defaulters, magistrates use the increased powers given to them to crack down on debtors, and bailiffs work closely with local police to enforce warrants.
"This level of teamwork and commitment to achieve the same outcome means more victims will be compensated and the taxpayer will receive a significant financial boost."
According to Government figures, in 2003/04 £290 million in financial penalties was imposed and, of that, £213 million was collected. This is £13.4m higher than expected for first three months of the year.
The payment rate at the end of the first quarter stood at 69% but by the end of fourth quarter had increased to 76%.
However, as of February 2004, £350 million worth of fines was outstanding in England and Wales.
(SP)
Following significant improvements in fines enforcement during 2003/04, an extra £13.4 million has been paid against what was forecast at the end of June.
In addition, magistrates' courts exceeded the 75% fines collection target, achieving a 76% collection rate over the final quarter of last year.
A tough fines enforcement regime announced last summer by the Government promised a crackdown on fine defaulters, but the Minister has increased the national fines collection target to 78%.
Describing the figures as "good news", Mr Leslie said: "This is a success story which cuts across the public and private sectors and involves the expertise and co-operation of many agencies within the Criminal Justice System.
"Government has provided the policy and legislative framework to pursue fine defaulters, magistrates use the increased powers given to them to crack down on debtors, and bailiffs work closely with local police to enforce warrants.
"This level of teamwork and commitment to achieve the same outcome means more victims will be compensated and the taxpayer will receive a significant financial boost."
According to Government figures, in 2003/04 £290 million in financial penalties was imposed and, of that, £213 million was collected. This is £13.4m higher than expected for first three months of the year.
The payment rate at the end of the first quarter stood at 69% but by the end of fourth quarter had increased to 76%.
However, as of February 2004, £350 million worth of fines was outstanding in England and Wales.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2008
Parking Fines To Get Posted
New parking regulations mean that motorists who try to escape penalty notices by driving off can now receive them in the post. Under the new regulations, a ticket should not be issued unless there is an obvious parking violation and clamping should be a last resort.
Parking Fines To Get Posted
New parking regulations mean that motorists who try to escape penalty notices by driving off can now receive them in the post. Under the new regulations, a ticket should not be issued unless there is an obvious parking violation and clamping should be a last resort.
13 March 2006
Minister backs new initiative to collect unpaid fines
More than one thousand warrants have been executed, criminals arrested and £60,000 in unpaid fines collected following a major effort by courts staff across London to pursue elusive offenders. The money collected means many victims of crime in the capital will be compensated.
Minister backs new initiative to collect unpaid fines
More than one thousand warrants have been executed, criminals arrested and £60,000 in unpaid fines collected following a major effort by courts staff across London to pursue elusive offenders. The money collected means many victims of crime in the capital will be compensated.
18 January 2005
Magistrates to gain access to offender 'mugshots'
The government has tabled an amendment to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill that will give magistrates' courts access to police 'mugshots' to help them identify criminals who attempt to avoid paying fines.
Magistrates to gain access to offender 'mugshots'
The government has tabled an amendment to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill that will give magistrates' courts access to police 'mugshots' to help them identify criminals who attempt to avoid paying fines.
18 April 2011
FSA Fines N&P £1.4 Million
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) £1.4 million for failing to give its customers suitable advice in relation to the sale of Keydata products.
FSA Fines N&P £1.4 Million
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) £1.4 million for failing to give its customers suitable advice in relation to the sale of Keydata products.
05 August 2008
Speed Cameras Snap Up £100 Million In Fines
Speeding tickets are raising more than £100 million in fines, with a million more tickets now being issued every year than a decade ago. Conservative Shadow Police Reform Minister, David Ruffley, said official figures showed 1,773,412 penalty notices were given to drivers in 2006, up from 712,753 in 1997.
Speed Cameras Snap Up £100 Million In Fines
Speeding tickets are raising more than £100 million in fines, with a million more tickets now being issued every year than a decade ago. Conservative Shadow Police Reform Minister, David Ruffley, said official figures showed 1,773,412 penalty notices were given to drivers in 2006, up from 712,753 in 1997.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
