A Scaffolder is currently having money deducted from his earnings after neglecting to fully pay a £4300 fine for careless driving and failing to attend a court hearing.
The 30-year-old man from Aberdeen had admitted driving erratically at excessive speed, mounting a kerb and then driving through a fence and a garden before driving through a second fence.
He was fined at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in 2009, but after paying less than a quarter of the total, he stopped payment in April last year.
Following warning letters, Scottish Court Service Enforcement Officers took steps to serve an Earnings Arrestment Order on him and his employers are now making high monthly deductions from his wages to pay his fine directly to the Court.
A Scottish Court Service report published today shows that fine collection rates across Scotland remain high. Collection is pursued through effective enforcement measures which include arresting wages and bank accounts, deducting benefits and clamping cars.
To date, 20 cars have been clamped nationwide which has led to the majority of defaulters paying both their original fines in addition to clamping costs.
“Defaulters cannot escape their fines and we have robust enforcement measures in place to ensure payment is collected” said SCS Executive Director of Field Service, Eric McQueen.
“Since the first Fines Report released last year by the SCS, collection rates have risen steadily. People with outstanding fines are recognising more and more that there is nowhere to hide and they could be next.”
Other enforcement measures include tracing facilities which provide information on aliases, employment history, bank accounts and credit cards to identify defaulters quickly, and working closely with the Department of Work and Pensions to speed up benefit deductions.
Via: www.stv.tv