Unpaid fines could mean licence suspensions

The Government is looking at using driver licence suspensions as punishment for not paying parking and speeding fines.

Courts Minister Rick Barker said yesterday the Government was proposing reforms to make it tougher on people who do not pay their fines.

Other proposals include:

* Giving information to credit agencies about an individual's outstanding fines;

* Allowing vehicles of low value to be seized;

* Alternative sanctions such as increasing demerit points for people under 25 on the graduated driver licence system;

* Earlier referral to court;

* Broader range of payment options from a wider range of agencies.

The Government said it had looked at the infringement system in Queensland where failing to pay an infringement fee for a traffic or parking-related offence eventually resulted in licences being suspended.

The threat of a suspension had resulted in 50 per cent of fine defaulters coughing up while another 25 per cent did so once their licence was suspended.

Mr Barker said justice, transport and land transport officials have been asked to report back to the Government by July 1 next year.

Officials would also look further into releasing information about an individual's outstanding fines as a means of affecting their credit ratings.

There are already powers to seize vehicles to recover the amount owed in outstanding fines but low-value vehicles have not been seized because the proceeds of sale would not cover the amount owed.

But the Government says seizing a vehicle used to commit infringement offences would stop some people from driving and committing further offences.

It has asked the Ministry of Justice to assess the implications for the Bill of Rights Act and operational implications before a final decision was made.

- NZPA