High-end cars seized in fine blitz on swanky suburbs

Teslas, Mercedes and BMWs have been seized following a blitz on inner-Brisbane fine and toll dodgers, with more suburbs to be targeted soon. FIND OUT WHERE

The state’s debt collector has hauled in millions of dollars from fine and toll dodgers following a blitz on inner-Brisbane that resulted in the seizure of high end vehicles like Teslas, Mercedes and BMWs.

It comes amid an expected crackdown in the Moreton Bay region in the coming weeks, and follows a similar operation on the Gold Coast earlier in the year as part of ramped up enforcement activities.

Since beginning its blitz on inner-Brisbane suburbs in February, the State Penalties Enforcement Registry has recouped more than $2.7m in unpaid fines and penalties.

The debt collector has also secured commitments of $14m to be managed through payment plans – with their operation targeting suburbs such as Hamilton, Ascot, Hawthorne, West End, Milton, and Balmoral.

SPER enforcement director Kim Easton revealed 30 vehicles had been seized during the blitz – with six of them sold off at auction after the debtor refused to pay up.

“Our officers seized a range of vehicles, including several Teslas, a Mercedes Benz C250, a BMW X3 and other high end 4WDs,” Mr Easton said.

“Most of the owners of these vehicles have now paid their debts, however there are still some who continue to avoid their obligations.”

SPER debtors have been urged to pay their fines on time or the agency could take action such as taking money from their wages or bank accounts.

SPER is now putting residents and businesses in Moreton Bay on notice, warning those with outstanding fines and penalties will be targeted by field officers in a looming enforcement crackdown.

Mr Easton said the operation would include suburbs across the region north of Brisbane, including Caboolture, Woodford, Kilcoy, Redcliffe, and Deception Bay.

“If people refuse to pay their SPER debt, they can expect that officers will seize their vehicles and other property, including boats, trailers, motorbikes and jet skis to recover the money owed,” he said.

“Moreton Bay debtors should be on notice that you can’t hide from your SPER debts – they will catch up with you.”

As of February this year, SPER had $1.293bn of unpaid fines and penalties on its books – up from $1.207bn in February last year.

During its recent enforcement activities on the Gold Coast, SPER collected more than $3m in upfront payments and secured $10m through payment plans.

SPER officers seized 54 vehicles during their clamp down on the Gold Coast, including Range Rovers, high-end SUVs, and BMWs.

Mr Easton urged SPER debtors to pay their fines on time – pointing out the agency could take actions such as taking money from their wages or bank accounts.

“SPER debts are money owed to all Queenslanders including victims of crime, so if you refuse to pay you can expect to face tough action,” he said.