Number plate scanning crackdown delivers immediate fine payments

Number plate scanning crackdown delivers immediate fine payments

A weekend operation which saw bailiffs trial new number plate scanning technology to target people with outstanding court fines and reparations has delivered immediate results, the Ministry of Justice says.

“More than 4800 vehicle number plates were scanned by five bailiffs at two Police checkpoints in Auckland on Friday and Saturday nights using the new hand-held scanners, resulting in 208 positive matches for outstanding fines.

“While most had already taken appropriate steps to settle their debts, with their fines either under active payment arrangements or not yet overdue, enforcement action was taken against 32 people on the roadside resulting in a total of $32,000 being collected from 31 people. One person had their vehicle seized and towed,” Ministry of Justice Group Manager, National Service Delivery, Tracey Baguley says.

The handset device being trialled uses software to scan a vehicle’s number plate and checks it against a database. It quickly confirms if the vehicle is registered to someone with outstanding fines or reparations.

“In just two days, this technology has revealed itself as an effective tool in the way the Ministry of Justice targets people who haven’t paid their fines,” Ms Baguley says.

She says bailiffs working at the checkpoints were able to engage constructively with members of the public during the weekend operation, providing information and support regarding payments.

The new technology is being trialled around the country until the end of the year.