Cars, bike seized in SPER clampdown
A HARLEY, flash street cars and decked-out utes were among vehicles wheelclamped and seized during a week-long operation by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry to recover unpaid fines and penalties in the Townsville region.
SPER’S field enforcement officers recovered $300,000 in unpaid fines and penalties from debtors across the region and payment plan commitments of a further $1.9m.
Enforcement officers descended on the region earlier this year, in a bid to claim back almost $55m in debt.
The debt was split across about 20,000 individuals and businesses.
SPER Enforcement Director Kim Easton said its enforcement operations resulted in the seizure of 14 vehicles across Townsville, Ayr, Home Hill, Ingham and the surrounding areas.
“SPER officers seized a Harley Davidson, souped-up street cars and hi-spec utility vehicles,” he said. “The owners of eight vehicles seized have now paid their debts and the remaining 6 vehicles are being sold at auction where the owners refuse to pay.”
Mr Easton said regional enforcement activities were part of SPER’S ongoing statewide operations and “demonstrate that the consequences are serious if you refuse to pay your debt”.
SPER debt is generate in multiple ways, including unpaid traffic and parking fines, and court orders.
“SPER debts don’t go away – they will catch up with you,” he said.
“Anyone who is having trouble paying for whatever reason should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss their payment options and avoid enforcement action.”
An operation in 2021 recovered more than $4m in collections and payment plan commitments.
During the 2021 operation, 23 vehicles were clamped, 25 were seized, with other others paying their debts on the spot to retain their vehicles.
Nine vehicles were sold to reduce their owners’ debts.