Fines add up

YOUNG people in Greater Dandenong owe more than $3 million in traffic fines, the Sheriff’s Office has revealed.
Almost 2000 residents of the municipality aged 18 to 24 years share almost 9000 outstanding warrants, with a total bill of $3,183,871.
Sheriff of Victoria Brendan Facey said most were from speeding, parking illegally and failing to pay tolls.
“Ignoring fines could lead your freedom machine to be clamped,” he said.
There are increased fees at each stage a fine is ignored, progressing to a warrant. Ignoring a small toll could lead to a warrant worth more than $300.
Sheriff’s Officers have powers to suspend drivers’ licences and registration, place clamps on cars, seize property and arrest people.
“Parents should ensure they talk to their children about the importance of having an e-tag if they are using toll roads and the need to pay their bills and fines on time,” Mr Facey said.
Call Civic Compliance Victoria on 1300 221 249 to check for outstanding fines.