Offenders who failed to pay their court fines have had their vehicles clamped and bank accounts seized after receiving penalties for drink-driving, assault, threatening behaviour and failing to stop after an accident.
Fines Enforcement Teams recently took action to clamp BMWs, Range Rovers and Mercedes vehicles, while bank arrestment orders up to thousands of pounds were also issued in some cases.
A tradesman from Musselburgh, who was fined for threatening or abusive behaviour, saw his work van clamped after failing to heed warnings about an outstanding £360 fine.
The man not only had to pay his fine, but also settle clamping and seizure expenses to get back to work.
Elsewhere, another offender who failed to pay his fine had £766 unexpectedly seized from his bank account just as he was moving into a new home.
He told Fines Enforcement Officers that he had failed to pay as he was in the process of buying a new property and further time was allowed when he promised to pay within a week.
However, the money never arrived and a Bank Arrestment Order was issued on 6 January to recover the outstanding balance.
Figures published today by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) show continued improvement in collection rates across most fine and penalty types in Quarter 2 2022/23, including in both value and number.
The overall collection performance reflects continuing and targeted action by Fines Enforcement Officers.
However, while SCTS is committed to ensuring fines are paid, the service also recognises that individuals face the very real risk of suffering significant financial hardship at this time.
Fines Enforcement teams continue to provide information, advice and support to those who are struggling to maintain their payments.
SCTS Executive Director of Court Operations David Fraser said: “The current cost-of-living crisis continues to bite and we recognise that this may impact on people’s ability to pay fines.
“However, ignoring fines and doing nothing can lead to further action being taken which may include additional costs.
“I would urge anyone who is struggling to pay to get in touch with us so we can provide support and advice.
“Where we are satisfied that offenders have failed to pay without a reasonable excuse, Fines Enforcement Teams will employ robust sanctions, including bank account arrestment orders, vehicle clamping, earning arrestments, deductions from benefits and warrants being issued for arrest.
“So please make sure you contact us to make suitable arrangements to pay and avoid any of this action being taken."
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The fines collection rates cover a three-year period over the financial years 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22. Within the Sheriff Court, fine by value paid or on track to be paid remains consistently strong at 85%.
Penalties collected under the Victim Surcharge, which provides funds to victim services, have continued to progress, with £121,000 collected in the last quarter. The total now sits at £785,000 or 80% of the value paid from these penalties issued to 30 September 2022.
Anyone looking for advice or information on paying their fine can access it easily via our national telephone helpline on 0300 790 0014 or online form.
Most fines can be paid round the clock on our secure website at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/payyourfine or using our automated telephone payment system by phoning 0300 790 0003.
Only fines which involve the endorsement of a driving record cannot be paid electronically at the moment. 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.