Fines collection overall is at its highest ever rate across Scotland and a report issued today (30 August) shows that since 2008, more than 430,000 enforcement orders have been granted by the courts and more than 94,000 of these have been for deductions from benefits. Enforcement officers have also agreed revised terms in 140,000 accounts. 

The report also shows that 90% of the value of sheriff court fines imposed over a three year period from 2008 to 2011 has either been paid or is on track to be paid through instalments.

Online facilities now enable most fines to be paid round the clock. Just over 8000 transactions totalling £350,000 were made through this site last month (July), with online payments reaching £1.8 million during the 2011-12 financial year.

Most fines, including parking or police tickets, can be paid on the secure website at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/payyourfine by completing five easy steps using a debit or credit card.

Only fines which involve the endorsement of a driving licence with penalty points cannot be paid electronically including some police traffic tickets and penalties issued by the Safety Camera Partnerships for speeding or running a red light. In these instances offenders can post their licence to: Scottish Court Service, Central Processing Unit, PO Box 23, Glasgow, G59 9DA or take it in person to any Scottish court.

A copy of the most recent SCS Quarterly Fines Report is available at:

http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/courtadmin/finestats/qfr13_2012/fines.doc

Contact: SCS Communications: 0131 444 3310 or out of hours: 07824550923.