Date: 07 May 2009 BROCKLEBANK CONDEMNS FISCAL FINES SYSTEM Commenting on figures uncovered by Scottish Conservatives, which show the fiscal fines system to be in chaos, Ted Brocklebank, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said;
“The figures relating to the payment of fiscal fines are shameful. More than half of fiscal fines remain unpaid or partially paid, across Scotland. The figures for the Sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife are little better, showing that 47% of fiscal fines remain unpaid or partially paid.
“These figures have uncovered the waste of time, resources and money that must surely be spent in trying to enforce fiscal fines under the current system. In the Tayside, Central and Fife Sheriffdom over 10,000 warning letters have been issued to deal with the 2809 outstanding fines. There have also been 1462 fine courts citations and 3852 enforcement orders applied. These numbers are astounding and clearly show that the current fine collection process is ineffectual.
“Earnings arrestment and deductions from benefits can be used to enforce fines, but these options remain almost unused in Tayside, Central and Fife. Scottish Conservatives have continually said offenders should have their fines deducted directly from their income. This would ensure fiscal fines are paid and offenders penalised.
“The current ineffectiveness of the fines system has increased the SNP Government’s soft-touch Scotland. In an effort to halt further failures in our criminal justice system the fiscal fine collection system must be reviewed urgently.”
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