PENINSULA Community Legal Centre has established a fines clinic to help people unable to pay fines.
The move was necessary because of “the alarming increase in the number of people coming to our centre with out-of-control outstanding fines”, the centre’s principal lawyer Victoria Mullings said.
“The financial and social costs of this problem are wide-ranging, and may include severe penalties such as loss of driver’s licence, wheel-clamping, cancellation of registration and potentially even imprisonment.”
Ms Mullins said a “growing tide” of people in Frankston had run up thousands of dollars in fines and associated administrative fees.
“The scale of the problem is immense and our region is one of the most negatively impacted, as borne out by the statistics released by the Sheriff’s office.”
Frankston residents owed $75.5 million in unpaid warrants in 2014-2015, making it one of the three worst local government areas in Victoria.
Residents in neighbouring Casey owed $132 million.
“The problem is not going away any time soon. From 2013-2014 to 2014-2015, there has been over a 118 per cent increase in the value of outstanding fines issued over that period,” Ms Mullins said.
The fines clinic will advise clients about driving on toll-roads without an e-tag, parking fines and public transport fines. The clinic is funded to operate as a pilot for two years by the Victorian Government Community Legal Centre Assistance Fund.
Clinic sessions will run 6-8pm Wednesdays by appointment with a drop-in service 9.30am-noon on Thursdays at the centre’s Frankston office.
For information about the fines clinic and other free legal services, call Peninsula Community Legal Centre on 9783 3600 or visit pclc.org.au