$2m fines unsettled in Capes region
Fine dodgers in Busselton and Dunsborough owe $2.3 million in unpaid fines and infringements to the State Government.
The Attorney General announced new laws allowing the Sheriff ’s Office to clamp vehicle for 48 hours or seize licence plates for 28 days if a person has $2000 or more in unpaid fines in August.
The Department of the Attorney General told the Times there were just over 2000 parties from Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup who owed around $2.3 million.
Around 300 have $2000 or more in outstanding infringements or court fines not under a payment arrangement, totalling around $1.5 million.
A department spokesperson said wheel-clamping and license plate removal would be piloted in the metropolitan area and possibly extended to regional areas in the future.
A website naming and shaming the top 100 offenders recently went live, although none of the individuals listed are from the Busselton or Dunsborough area.
The City of Busselton has revealed last financial year it had around 930 outstanding fines – some for up to four years – totalling just over $124,500.
Ranger and Emergency Services co-ordinator Dean Freeman said the fines included parking violations, unlicensed animals and bushfire notice infringements.
“Once fines have passed a certain timeframe with no response to collection attempts from our office, they are referred on to the Fines Enforcement Registry for follow up and collection,” he said.
Statewide, West Australians owe $259 million in unpaid infringement and court fines, with the worst defaulters owing $67 million.
Most outstanding court fines were issued by police for driving under suspension or drink driving, while the majority of outstanding infringements are for speeding or red light camera offences.
Attorney General Michael Mischin said since the new laws were introduced more than 10,000 people had paid off more than 12,000 outstanding matters, totalling nearly $4 million.
“I suggest those individuals who don’t want their names and details published for all to see on the web should immediately pay their fines and infringements or enter into time to pay arrangements with the Fines Enforcement Agency,” he said.
Individuals and companies can visit www.paymyfines.wa.gov.au to pay outstanding fines or infringements or they can call the Fines Enforcement Registry on 1300 650 235 or 9235 0235 from mobile phones.
