Car clamping targets fine dodgers

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8433618.stm

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Three people from Glasgow have become the first in Scotland to have their cars clamped over unpaid fines.

The action was taken by the Scottish Court Service after the motorists failed to pay fines - ranging from £45 to £180 - for road traffic offences.

It is part of wider moves to recover millions of pounds in unpaid fines across Scotland.

Fine dodgers could also have their wages docked, bank accounts frozen or unpaid amounts deducted from benefits.

Once a vehicle has been clamped it will stay in place for up to 24 hours or until the fine is paid in full, along with any vehicle immobilisation costs.

If the fine remains unpaid, the contractor used by the Scottish Courts Service will then remove the vehicle.

Cars released

It will remain in a place of storage until the fine, associated immobilisation and storage costs are paid in full or until the vehicle is sold or the seizure of vehicle order is recalled.

Eric McQueen, director of field services at the Scottish Court Service, said: "We have issued warnings to car owners before and they normally pay up but there are some people who still believe they can get away with not paying their fines.

"Fine dodgers have nowhere to hide. The Scottish Court Service will use all the available sanctions to collect their fine including clamping and seizing their car."

The Glasgow car owners had their vehicles released after paying their outstanding fines and the additional contractor's expenses.

The Scottish Courts Service said clamping orders had also been issued for "fine defaulters elsewhere in Scotland".