State clamp down on serial offenders

A Strathpine man, owing more than $90,000, is among the repeat traffic offenders being targeted by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) this week.

SPER Enforcement Director Kim Easton said the operation, across South-East Queensland, including Moreton Bay, would focus on those refusing to pay multiple fines.

The 40-year-old Strathpine man has racked up 18 traffic fines – seven for speeding - in the last 12 months and has a SPER debt of $93,163.51.

A McDowall company has received 13 traffic fines, most for driving while using a mobile phone, and owes $86,032.40.

On the Gold Coast, a company has had 20 traffic fines, 14 for speeding, and owes $69,472.10, while a Shailer Park woman has received nine fines and owes $61,594.94.

“We’ll be targeting debtors that have incurred a large number of traffic fines, particularly red-light camera, speeding, mobile phone and seatbelt offences,” Mr Easton said.

“Officers are visiting debtors at their home or workplace and those refusing to pay their debts will face tough action.

“This includes having money taken from their wages or bank accounts through garnishment powers or having their cars clamped, seized and sold to meet their obligations.”

Mr Easton said the debtors targeted through this campaign had repeatedly ignored their obligations and avoided paying fines, even when faced with additional penalties.

“The individuals and businesses we’re targeting have accrued, on average, eight traffic fines each in the past year, so these are people who are just not getting the message,” he said.

“These are debtors that wilfully disobey the law, continue to offend and owe thousands of dollars to Queenslanders.”

Mr Easton said it was important that people understood there were serious consequences for not paying fines.

“By refusing to pay, they now risk having money taken out of their wages or bank accounts, or losing their cars, motorbikes, boats or other assets,” he said.

There is a simple way to avoid enforcement action: “The best thing to do is pay your fine on time, because the consequences of not acting are serious,” Mr Easton said.

“SPER debts don’t go away – they will catch up with you.

Anyone having trouble paying, for whatever reason, should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss payment options and avoid enforcement action.