A new, automated telephone service means that fines can now be paid round the clock by phone, providing a quick and easy option.
The new, phone line was launched in June and during its first eight weeks in operation, more than £125,000 was collected by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service in fines payment.
This new service is in addition to the secure website, where fines can also be paid round the clock.
“I am delighted that we have been able to offer this additional service to pay fines," says SCTS Acting Chief Operations Officer David Fraser. "The phone line allows people to pay their fine quickly and easily and the number of people using this service is already more than 1000 per month. Being able to pay most fines 24 hours a day, seven days a week with either a simple phone call or by visiting our secure website means that there is no excuse for non-payment."
When people fail to pay fines, the SCTS has enforcement actions in place including deducting money directly from wages, bank accounts or benefits - as well as clamping cars.
The Court can also issue warrants for arrest, and offenders can be stopped by the police at any time including while travelling through air and ferry ports, or bus and train stations. Unless payment is made in full on the spot, offenders will be taken into custody to appear in Court.
One Edinburgh fine defaulter missed a planned holiday to Blackpool when he was arrested before he could set off.
The man had planned to pay his fine for a breach of the peace on his return, but when he defaulted on the fine, he was arrested on warrant, taken to Court and wound up receiving a custodial alternative of 28 days in prison, ruining his planned trip.
All offenders are sent warning letters and given the chance to engage with fines enforcement officers before action is taken.
A report released today shows that fines collection rates remain strong with 89% of the value of sheriff court fines imposed between April, 2011 and March, 2014, either being paid, or on track to be paid through instalments.
Court imposed fines as well as most penalties issued by the Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service can be paid by phoning 0300 790 0003. Police issued penalties or those requiring endorsement of a driving record cannot be paid using the new system.
Most fines can also be paid on our secure website at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/payyourfine, Only fines which involve the endorsement of a driving record cannot be paid electronically.
For those penalties that cannot be paid using the online or telephone payment systems, customers can post payments to Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Central Processing Unit, PO Box 23, Glasgow, G59 9DA or take it in person to any Scottish court fines office.
Notes:
- A copy of the most recent SCTS Quarterly Fines Report is available at: http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/reports-data.
- Many fines are paid by instalments over the course of two or more years which will affect collection rate figures.
- Most of the money collected through fines payment is sent to the UK Treasury under devolution arrangements set up within the Scotland Act 1998.