Cough up or face being locked up

FINE dodgers are being told to cough up or face being locked up.

Anyone who tries to avoid paying court fines across England and Wales will be targeted in a month-long campaign launched by Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS) yesterday.

Operation Crackdown will see court enforcement officers and Greater Manchester Police target offenders’ homes to collect any unpaid fines. Bailiffs will also be issued with warrants to confiscate property.

Those who refuse to co-operate will be arrested and could be jailed.

Court time will be set aside to deal specifically with fine dodgers.

A similar blitz in February, last year, saw 9,425 warrants executed and £1.02m collected across England & Wales. A total of 14.7 per cent more cash was collected than in February, 2009. John Foley is the HMCS area director for Greater Manchester.

He said: “Our message to fine dodgers is clear — pay up now or face the consequences.

“The courts will do everything within their powers to trace those who do not pay.

“Money can be taken from an offender’s earnings or from benefits if they are unemployed. Warrants can be issued instructing court-employed agents to seize and sell goods belonging to the offender.

“Ultimately, an offender can be imprisoned simply for non-payment of their fine.”

Fines can be paid via the National Fine Payment Line on 0300 790 9901 or online at www.direct.gov.uk/payacourtfine