Just 40pc paid fines for Covid offences

NEARLY 60 per cent of Covid-related fines for lockdown breaches have yet to be paid.

A total of 1,804 out of 4,467 have been paid – a collection rate of 40.4 per cent.

These are fines handed out by police as fixed penalty notices (FPNs). The figures from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) show how many fines imposed between March and September last year had been paid as of January 2021.

Fines of £60 for a first offence can be handed to anyone aged 16 and over in Scotland.

Last night, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘The SNP’s record in ensuring fines are actually paid is shocking. It appears that the SNP’s poor performance is continuing when it comes to Covid fines.

‘There would seem to be little point in having this penalty in place if people know

‘Could have an impact on public health too’

they won’t realistically have to pay it. It’s a failure from a punishment and a deterrent point of view, and could have an impact on public health too.’

An SCTS spokesman said: ‘Fines by their nature take time to collect as it is only when defaulters fail to make payment that enforcement measures are used.

‘SCTS has recognised that individuals face the very real risk of suffering significant financial hardship during the coronavirus crisis, and enforcement officers have focused on engaging with offenders to secure payment or arrange instalment rates.

‘We have introduced a national helpline and online form to prompt that engagement.

‘However, that does not mean defaulters can escape payment. Liability to pay remains and we vigorously pursue all unpaid fines.

‘All unpaid FPNs will now have had fines registration letters issued, enforcement orders obtained from the court and issued to the offenders, and warning letters issued.’