More than 3,000 vulnerable Canberrans have been able to keep their drivers licences since the introduction of Infringement Notice Management Plans last year, Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, announced today.
“Prior to 24 May last year, there were very limited provisions to assist vulnerable people to manage outstanding motor vehicle infringement notices,” Mr Corbell said.
“If a motorist was unable to pay an infringement notice in full then a suspension would be imposed to a drivers licence, motor vehicle or right to drive until the infringement was paid.
“This was identified as a major impediment for vulnerable people, as the inability to retain a driver licence placed many at risk of job loss or financial insecurity.
“In response, the ACT government introduced the Infringement Plan Office, which allowed people who had outstanding motor vehicle infringement debts, to enter into Infringement Notice Management Plans to clear their debt.”
The plans allowed clients to pay infringement notice penalties by instalments, or discharge the infringement notice penalties by completing an approved community work or social development program, or in extreme circumstances, waiver of the infringement notice penalty.
Since the introduction of Infringement Notice Management Plans, $3,697,632 in infringements have been through the initiative and clients have made $976,140 in payments.
“Feedback received from those who have entered into plans has been very positive, with many appreciative of having flexible arrangements to pay their balance.
“The ACT government is committed to reducing red tape for the Canberra community by introducing a range of measure such as abolishing registration labels and offering registration and licence reminders via email.
“Introducing the option of payment through a plan is just another example of this commitment.”
(Media Release Simon Corbell)
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