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Victoria Police say unpaid Covid fines will be prosecuted

Victoria Police says the force has not changed its policies for unpaid COVID-19 fines after the Police Association earlier spoke about its concerns fines were not being enforced.

Key points:

• Victoria Police says it will pursue unpaid COVID-19 fines
• Earlier reports suggested many unpaid fines would not be prosecuted
• Police blames a “poorly worded” internal document for confusion over the process

• The Age newspaper on Monday morning reported that police officers had been instructed to hand out caution notices for many unpaid fines, instead of proceeding with charges, in a decision that had concerned the Police Association.

  But Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent told the media later on Monday that Victoria Police had not changed its policies and a “poorly worded” internal document was to blame for confusion surrounding the fines.

  “A guide was prepared for prosecutors and police with respect to prosecuting fines,” he said.

  “In hindsight, that document was poorly worded and doesn’t appropriately articulate the process for fines and warnings.”

  The note was released in December and Deputy Commissioner Nugent said it did cause some concern for police members because of the wording.

  He said it would be replaced by a new guidance note and insisted fines would proceed through normal processes.

  Less than 10 per cent of fines paid so far

  Deputy Commissioner Nugent said about 40,000 COVID-related fines had been issued in Victoria, with most still unpaid.

  “I can say approximately 3,000 have been paid, another 5,700 approximately have accepted guilt and are on a payment plan,” he said.

  He said more than 2,000 other cases would go before the courts.

  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-18/victorian-covid-fines-to-remain/13067454

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