Kiwis Rack Up Huge Traffic Fines

New Zealand First has revealed that nearly 200,000 people have overdue traffic fines of up to $5,000 and 26 people have overdue fines of more than $30,000.

Law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says the overdue traffic infringement fines cast doubt on the value of quota ticketing yet again.

“These figures prove what I had feared might be the case all along,” said Mr Mark. “What is astounding though is the quantity and value of overdue fines.

“I have been informed by the Minister of Courts that there are 199,458 people with overdue fines of up to $5,000 and 1,903 people have overdue fines amounting to between $5,000 and $10,000.

“As you go up the scale the figures culminate in 26 people owing more than a staggering $30,000.

Amount of overdue fines / No. of people
Up to $5,000 / 199,458
$5,000 - $10,000 / 1,903
$10,000 - $15,000 / 362
$15,000 - $20,000 / 110
$20,000 - $25,000 / 47
$25,000 - $30,000 / 11
Over $30,000 / 26

“What these figures show is that Mr Hawkins’s policy for quota ticketing obviously does not act as a deterrent. Law-breakers are continuing to drive dangerously and they are being allowed to get away with racking up huge fines.

“The policy should be to get dangerous drivers off the roads. If the fines can’t be paid, perhaps it is time to start confiscating cars,” said Mr Mark.

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