Making unpaid toll fines a civil issue rather than a criminal one would boost the local economy, the chief executive of a community legal centre claims.
Denis Nelthorpe, chief executive of WEstJustice, said the increase in toll fines was about 15 per cent statewide over five years to June 30, 2014, but 29.15 per cent in Wyndham.
“If we assume that at least one fine is paid for every unpaid fine, millions of dollars are sucked out of local businesses every year,” he said.
Mr Nelthorpe said if fines were dealt with as civil debts and not criminal debts, people would have to pay only an additional 10 per cent for late payment.
“At the moment, with administrative fees, we’re seeing fines go up as high as $20,000 [after repeated reminders].
“The state government is becoming so dependent on fine revenue and not realising the effect it has on local businesses. People need to understand the direct impacts this has on the spending capacity of residents,” he said.
“It’s dragging mass amounts of money out of the local community.”
Mr Nelthorpe is calling on Wyndham businesses to support the centre’s campaign to make fining a civil issue.
Contact WEstJustice on 9749 7720.
