Traffic offences dominate overdue fines

The $349 million New Zealanders owe in unpaid fines is mostly the result of a 136 per cent increase in the number of traffic fines issued in the past five years, says the Department for Courts.

The figure compared with $310 million and $281 million respectively in the two previous financial years to June 30.

Of the money owed, $260 million related to instant fines for minor offences such as parking violations and speeding.