Source: Radio New Zealand
A clamping initiative targeting people who haven’t paid their court fines has returned more than $700,000. 123RF
A clamping initiative targeting people who have not paid their court fines has returned more than $700,000.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the trial had been such a success the government was expanding it.
Last July, the coaliton pledged to address “long-standing slackness” in outstanding court fines by seizing vehicles.
Between 9 July 2025 and 21 February 2026, bailiffs scanned 147,740 number plates and identified 2866 people with overdue court fines or reparations.
Of those identified, 600 people paid on the spot, 295 established some form of payment arrangement, 236 cars were seized and 120 cars were clamped.
The rest were either issued with a warning or no action was taken due to their situation, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said.
“Eighty of the cars have already been sold at auction, with another 20 soon to go under the hammer. Ninety-eight people paid to avoid their car being sold.
“Overall, more than $708,621 has been recovered, and due to its success, the trial was expanded.”
Goldsmith said 40 number plate scanners had been in operation on streets and at some police breath testing stations since December 2025.
“This increase means all bailiffs across New Zealand have access to a device ahead of a possible permanent rollout.
“The message is simple: pay your court fines, or you will be walking home.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
