The Department of Infrastructure wishes to remind the public, following on from the advance notice issued on 5 October 2012, of its intention to remove vehicles belonging to individuals who have amassed large numbers of unpaid fixed penalty fines and appear to have no intention of paying them.  Action in this regard will commence from 1st November 2012.

Vehicles seized will be removed to a secure compound until the removal costs and fines imposed have been cleared.  Vehicles not collected will be destroyed or sold.

The Department believes that this initiative will only impact on a small number of regular offenders and that it is unfair that these individuals have thus far escaped payment when the vast majority of motorists park considerately or pay their fines for an occasional offence.

Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney MHK, said:  “The power to seize vehicles has existed for many years and given the small number of frequent offenders who appear to have no regard for the parking rules whatsoever, now is a good time to address the matter.

Individuals who commit the occasional offence and pay their fines should not be concerned as this policy is only applicable to persistent offenders who do not pay their fines.”

The Department of Infrastructure does not receive the income from fines collected and is bringing this policy forward to ensure fairness and provide for good governance in this area.