And Sheriff Brendan Facey has warned them and more than 15,000 people across Victoria they’d better cough up or face prosecution.
“Unfortunately, some people are still not getting the message that you cannot hide from unpaid fines,” he said.
Despite sterner action from the Sheriff’s Office and repeated warnings of the consequences, drivers are not getting the message – the debt in Melton grew from
$30 million a year ago, while the number of unpaid fines rose from 90,000 to 110,000.
In comparison, data for Moorabool showed 1800 residents owed just under $5 million.
“Too many people are letting fines get out of control,” Mr Facey said. “Getting help with fines is easy; ignoring them will lead to action.”
Mr Facey said people who did not pay their fines could have their cars clamped, assets seized, their licences suspended and they could even face jail.
About 3500 Victorians were arrested and brought to the courts in the year to June, up from 2086 in the previous year.
“This action is typically taken against people who are serially evading fines, racking up tolling, speeding and parking infringements at cost to the public,” Mr Facey said.
Changes to legislation will give the Sheriff’s Office greater power to identify and take action early against people who are racking up large amounts of outstanding fines.
“We’re working around the clock, right across the state to track people down,” Mr Facey said. “You could be tapped on the shoulder at a shopping centre, at your work, home or on the road.”
Drivers can track and pay outstanding fines at www.fines.vic.gov.au.
