Scottish Court Service takes clamping action against Kirkcaldy fine dodgers

Two Kirkcaldy fine defaulters became the first ever to see their cars clamped in the town by the Scottish Court Service (SCS).

The motorists saw their Volvo and Citroen vehicles clamped on May 15, after failing to pay fines issued at Kirkcaldy Justice of the Peace Court for driving while using a mobile phone and threatening behaviour.

Both drivers wound up paying their original fines in addition to clamping costs in order to reclaim their vehicles.

If they had not made full payment, their cars would have been taken into storage with additional fees mounting each day. Ultimately, the court can scrap or sell an unclaimed car.

The SCS has a range of enforcement measures in place which are used when defaulters fail to respond to warnings. As well as clamping, the sanctions include deducting money directly from wages, benefits and savings.

All defaulters are issued warnings and given the chance to engage with enforcement officers before action is taken.

A report released on Thursday shows fines collection rates remain strong, with 87% of the value of sheriff court fines imposed between April 2010 and March 2013 either being paid or on track to be paid through instalments.