Council clamps down on drivers who refuse to pay fines
Drivers who consistently refuse to pay penalty charge notices are being warned they face having their vehicles seized.
Shropshire Council is taking a tough stance on ‘persistent evaders’ of fines, and action was taken recently to remove vehicles belonging to some of those drivers. A persistent evader is someone who has three or more unpaid and unchallenged fines, one of which has progressed to warrant stage, or the owner or keeper detail of the vehicle is not identifiable through the DVLA and all other legitimate means of enforcement have failed.
Around a dozen offenders were targeted across Shropshire last week (2 April to 6 April 2012), with two vehicles being removed and returned to the owners once the outstanding fines were paid.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for parking enforcement, said:
“Parking fines exist to ensure people park in the right place, which keeps traffic moving smoothly in our towns and villages. When people park illegally and they are given a Penalty Charge Notice, they must pay that fine unless it is legitimately appealed.
“The council will not shy away from taking action when necessary to ensure people don’t get away with not paying their fines. It’s not fair on those law-abiding drivers who do pay, and the public can be assured that the actions of those people who refuse to pay will not be tolerated.”