National MP Simon Bridges. Photo/file
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said that one year on it was clear the threat of taking away people's ability to drive has become an effective enforcement tool for overdue fines.
"Driver Licence Stop Orders (DLSOs) were introduced in February 2014, and within a year people have returned $661,224.02 in overdue
fines at Tauranga District Court rather than face the alternative - losing their driver licence," Mr Bridges said.
"This is money the Government collects to be invested back into services for hard-working New Zealanders.
"Nationally, $20.4 million has been paid to the taxpayer - much higher than the $7 million forecast. Nearly 19,500 people who weren't paying their fines have now either done so, or are doing so.
"This is taxpayer money and National's message is clear - pay what you owe," Mr Bridges said.
