Councils refer 4 million motorists to bailiffs
Mon, 09 Sept 2024
Local councils referred a staggering four million motorists issued with penalty charge notices (PCNs) to enforcement agencies in the last 12 months – a number that has more than doubled since before the pandemic.
The number of motorists referred to bailiffs is rising much faster than the number of PCNs issued, which totalled around 18 million last year.
The Times reports it is due to motorists falling foul of a proliferation of clean air zones and road tolls, while cash-strapped local authorities are also ramping up enforcement action for unpaid parking tickets and other traffic penalties.
Bailiffs argued the increase is due to motorists becoming increasingly selfish and ignoring the rules of the road.
The figures were compiled by the Civil Enforcement Association. Chief executive Russell Hamblin-Boone says a reason for the big increase is national policies that have supported things like clean air zones, ULEZ and other emissions reduction strategies.
10 years ago, 83% of PCNs were for parking. By 2022, that had fallen to 47% - with 19% now for road tolls and 8% for clean air zones.
AA president Edmund King agrees that avoiding fines has become more difficult due to so many different speed limits, low emission zones and bus lane cameras.
"Our concern is that sometimes drivers can’t concentrate on the road and driving safety because they’re paranoid about being snapped with a camera. Drivers who aren’t intending to break the rules do get caught up by the system."
He adds that some junctions and bus lanes were "cash boxes" for councils, many of whom are struggling with a funding shortfall.
How do enforcement agencies go after motorists?
When motorists ignore requests to pay fines, councils apply for a court order. This is passed to a civil enforcement company, which is a debt collection agency that works with local authorities.
In around 3 in 10 cases, motorists pay on receiving a warning letter. If they don’t, bailiffs will be sent to their house. They have the power to impound their car until they pay.
On top of their fine, motorists are charged £75 for the enforcement letter and £235 for a bailiff visit. Sometimes, their car is sold off to pay the debt.
A spokesman for the Local Government Association told The Times that bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort.
What are the time limits for a PCN?
