Camera to spy on fine evaders
A high-tech camera will scan the numberplates of thousands of cars at shopping centres, train stations and on main streets from today as the State Government steps up its crackdown on WA's worst fine bludgers and attempts to recoup the record $306 million owed by defaulters.
Latest figures reveal that a year after tough measures were introduced to deal with people who flout infringements and court- ordered penalties, there are almost 842,500 fines owed by 355,008 individuals and companies.
In the same period, there were nearly 90,000 licence suspensions for unpaid fines.
Attorney-General Michael Mischin said the camera, mounted on a sheriff's vehicle, would scan licence plates in a bid to prevent the worst fine defaulters avoiding the tougher measures.
Since August last year, the State's top 100 fine defaulters have been named and shamed on a Government website.
The Fines Enforcement Registry was also given the power to put wheel clamps on the cars of chronic fine defaulters and remove numberplates.
Under the tougher powers, wheel clamps were used 505 times and 420 sets of licence plates were removed. There were 60 warning stickers put on cars, 5142 calling cards left and 3650 new payment arrangements made.
"I expect these figures to increase with the introduction of the camera, which will be able to scan a high volume of vehicles that would potentially go undetected because defaulters often avoid parking on their own property or have outdated addresses," Mr Mischin said.
"Our overall aim is to reclaim millions of dollars from this small group of fine dodgers who repeatedly flout the law, yet expect hardworking WA taxpayers to foot the bill."
Latest figures show the total bill for outstanding fines has increased from $259 million in August last year to $306 million almost a year later. This was made up of $170 million in outstanding court fines and $136 million in unpaid infringements.
But Mr Mischin said the $97.9 million in overdue fines recovered in the past year was $14.2 million more than was recouped over the previous 12 months.
He said it was difficult to compare the $306 million owed with previous years because there had been several big one-off debts that inflated the bill.
This included a new warrant fee on infringements, a rise in registration fees, increases in penalties for some offences, a clearance of old court fines and infringements for people who did not vote at the last State election.
