Palaszczuk government’s $400m crackdown

One state raked in $400m in traffic fines last year – and they have warned hoons their cars are in danger of being seized if they don’t pay up.

Queensland authorities collected an eye-watering $400 million worth of fines last year – up more than $100m on the year before.

The State Penalties Enforcement Registry collected the record amount as the government touted a blitz on repeat traffic offenders in the coming weeks.

“Queenslanders rightly expect people to be held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions endanger the safety of others,” Queensland treasurer Cameron Dick said.

“If someone is fined for breaking the law, they should pay that fine promptly.

“The $400 million recovered by SPER is money that will provide services and infrastructure to Queenslanders, helping to reduce cost of living pressures.”

Queensland authorities seized dozens of cars and over $1 million during a recent blitz. Picture: Supplied.

The government says they will seize cars if owners don’t pay their fines. Picture: Supplied.,

The government announced the start of the “Brisbane blitz” on Saturday, which will see an enforcement crackdown across several suburbs including Chermside, Nundah, Oxley, and Mt Gravatt.

During the most recent SPER operation across South East Queensland, the registry seized 58 vehicles and collected $1.7m in cash.

Vehicles seized during the operation included a Mustang, Porsche Cayenne, and Harley Davidson motorbike.

The government said the vehicles would be sold in cases where the owners could not pay their fines.

One of the people stung during a previous operation had amassed 20 traffic fines – including a dozen speeding infringements – in the last year.