MORE than $95,000 worth of unpaid fines caught up with drivers in the North East this week, after sheriff’s officers and police combined for a two-day operation near Wangaratta.
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They held the targeted operation on the Hume Highway near Snow Road, using automatic number plate recognition technology to eke out the offenders.
About 30 people with outstanding warrants were detected.
Two drivers had their cars clamped.
Three drivers were told their driver’s licence or vehicle registration would be suspended if payment was not arranged within seven days.
Almost $24,000 was paid over the two days of the operation alone, as people made a move to clear up their debts.
Sheriff of Victoria Brendan Facey said more operations were on the horizon in an effort to stamp out fine evasion and remind people of the consequences of not paying their fines.
“I’m concerned about the number of regional Victorians who are risking losing their car and primary mode of transport by ignoring their fines,” Mr Facey said.
“Payment of fines is not optional.
“People are liable for their outstanding infringements and continuing to ignore them will not make them go away.”
Mr Facey said his teams regularly conducted targeted enforcement activity, roadblocks and multi-agency operations involving VicRoads and Victoria Police.
People who continue to ignore their outstanding fines run the risk of tough sanctions, including wheel clamping, asset confiscation, licence suspension and even arrest.
“We don’t want to seize people’s cars and assets — we want people to speak with us about their options before they are caught,” Mr Facey said.
Anyone with concerns about their outstanding fines should phone 1300 SHERIFF.
