Victorians frustrated at new infringement body

FLAWS have been exposed in the state’s new universal infringement payment system.

The new system has absorbed 21 million infringements since the new year.

FLAWS have been exposed in the state’s new universal infringement payment system.

Frustrated Victorians are taking aim at the new infringement body, Fines Victoria, a streamlined system which will now take responsibility for all fines issued by police, courts and other state authorities.

Since 1 January, the new system has absorbed 21 million infringements.

CITY OF MELBOURNE WARNS OF PARKING FINE SCAM

The shift has caused major headaches for several fine recipients.

Some claim they have had to fight for refunds and chase up legal determinations. Others say administrative delays are crucially impacting their business.

Mark told 3AW his infringement payment plan was abruptly suspended.

When he went to chase it up, he was told he would have to restart payments due to the shift.

Pam claimed she is owed a refund for a paid infringement but was told it will not be issued due to technical issues and a business owner said has spent six weeks trying to nominate individual drivers to a work car with no success.

Fellow fine recipient Murray said: “I had a mate of mine ring VicRoads inquiring about why he hasn’t received a letter from Civic Compliance about a license suspension.”

“Apparently they don’t have the ability to send out letters at the moment because of the change of office.”

Department of Justice Deputy Secretary Ryan Phillips defended the system, claiming it had not received any formal complaints since its launch.

“We are very happy with how things have gone so far,” he said.

“I wouldn’t think they (complaints) are necessarily errors.”

Infringements issued from over 50 authorities including Victoria Police, VicRoads and various courts are now streamlined through Fines Victoria, an incarnation of Civic Compliance Victoria.

Fines Victoria have received 12, 000 calls since its launch.

Mr Phillips claimed the majority related to administrative queries rather than complaints.

[e-mail]

@AneekaSimonis