Justice from on high

Numberplate recognition technology has caught 19 people wanted on 149 warrants at Mt Duneed, according to the Department of Justice and Regulation.
The outstanding warrants carried fines of more than $56,000, the department said.
“Uniformed officers from the Barwon South West region undertook the targeted blitz as part of a focus on enforcing outstanding debts with tough sanctions and penalties.”
The officers conducted the blitz on Anglesea Road on Friday 2 September.
“Automatic numberplate recognition technology was used to identify offenders. Payment was received from 12 people on the day to finalise 47 warrants worth more than $23,500.
Six drivers with 45 warrants for fines of more than $17,100 were notified that their driver licence or vehicle registration would be suspended if they did not arrange to pay within seven days.”
Sheriff of Victoria Brendan Facey said his office ran similar operations daily across the state in a bid to stamp out fine evasion and highlight the “serious consequences” of failing to pay fines.
He warned of more blitzes to come.
“Sheriff’s officers will continue to conduct special operations, roadblocks and blitzes, while increasingly using automatic numberplate recognition technology to more efficiently target fine dodgers on Victorian roads,” Mr Facey said.
“The Sheriff could be anywhere at any time and with new technology and more collaborative operations with Victoria Police – it’s only a matter of time before you get caught.”
The department said anyone with concerns about their outstanding fines should call 1300 SHERIFF to discuss available options.
“Individuals can pay their outstanding fines at the fines.vic.gov.au website or by visiting any of the justice service centres in the region.”