Police boycott on speeding fines costs Allan govt at least $100m in lost revenue

Police refusing to dish out speeding and traffic fines has cost the Allan government at least $100m in potential revenue in one of the most financially damaging tactics in their pay dispute.

Police refusing to dish out speeding and traffic fines amid a bitter pay fight has cost the state government at least $100m in potential revenue.

Victorian motorists have been evading fines for running red lights and speeding past fixed traffic cameras as part of the union’s escalating industrial action for several weeks.

Police union members have increasingly targeted their employer and the state government during the pay war that has seen officers stop work at stations across the state.

The pausing of fines handed to drivers is one of the most financially damaging tactics pulled by the Police Association in the long-running saga.

Victorian motorists have been evading fines for running red lights and speeding past fixed traffic cameras. Picture: Christian Gilles

Motorists have been spared from paying roughly 500,000 fines ranging from $200 to $300 each, costing the Allan government upwards of $100m.

It is understood that because of the months-long dispute, the majority of those fines will not have been issued within the mandated eight-week window, permanently wiping that amount from the government’s books.

December is traditionally one of the worst months of the year for the road toll as thousands of motorists hit the roads over the holiday period.

But the force stressed that drivers detected travelling at “excessive” speed would still be booked.

Police stress that drivers detected travelling at ‘excessive’ speed will still be booked.. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Victoria Police continues to be out in force on roads across the state to reduce road trauma and positively influence road user behaviour,” police said in a statement.

“We are focused on excessive speed and drink driving and these fines continue to be issued.

“Other fines are currently on pause and not being issued due to protected industrial action.”

The state government said they were pleased community safety would not be jeopardised.

“Victoria Police officers play a critical role in protecting the community and saving lives, and we are grateful for their vital service to the state,” the spokesperson said.

“Drivers should be under no illusion that police won’t come after anyone who is driving dangerously on our roads.

“Any planned protected industrial action is a matter for The Police Association of Victoria, and we welcome the assurance that any action would not affect community safety.”

The police union remains steadfast in their fight for a six per cent pay rise each year for the next four years and a ban on unpaid overtime, knocking back the state government’s offer of a three per cent pay increase.

But the force can only offer that amount given the government’s strict wages policy.

Negotiations broke down following the rejected deal and Victoria Police requested the Fair Work Commission be brought in to decide the terms of the new pay agreement

Fair Work is expected to hand down its decision on a new wage agreement by the end of the year.