An Earnings Arrestment Order used in recent weeks more than halved the outstanding debt owed by a man from South Lanarkshire who had five outstanding fines.
The instruction to an employer to deduct money from the wages of individuals with unpaid fines was also used to collect half the previously unpaid fines due by an oilfield worker from the North-east.
Preliminary letters warning people that such an action might take place were successful in a number of cases where payments had previously stalled.
Figures published today by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) show continued improvement in collection rates across most fine and penalty types in Quarter 3 2022/23, including in both value and number.
The overall collection performance reflects continuing and targeted action by Fines Enforcement Officers.
The fines collection rates cover a three-year period over the financial years 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22. Within the Sheriff Court, fine by value paid or on track to be paid remains consistently strong at 86%.
Penalties collected under the Victim Surcharge, which provides funds to victim services, have also continued to progress well, with £115,000 collected in the last quarter.
However, while SCTS is committed to ensuring fines are paid, the service also recognises that individuals face the very real risk of suffering significant financial hardship at this time.
Fines Enforcement Teams continue to provide information, advice and support to those who are struggling to maintain their payments.
SCTS Executive Director of Court Operations David Fraser said: “The current cost-of-living crisis continues to bite and we recognise that this may impact on people’s ability to pay fines.
“However, ignoring fines and doing nothing can lead to further action being taken which may include additional costs.
“I would urge anyone who is struggling to pay to get in touch with us so we can provide support and advice.
“Where we are satisfied that offenders have failed to pay without a reasonable excuse, Fines Enforcement Teams will employ robust sanctions, including bank account arrestment orders, vehicle clamping, earning arrestments, deductions from benefits and warrants being issued for arrest.
“So please make sure you contact us to make suitable arrangements to pay and avoid any of this action being taken."
Anyone looking for advice or information on paying their fine can access it easily via our national telephone helpline on 0300 790 0014 or online form.
Most fines can be paid round the clock on our secure website at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/payyourfine or using our automated telephone payment system by phoning 0300 790 0003.
Only fines which involve the endorsement of a driving record cannot be paid electronically at the moment. For those penalties that cannot be paid using the online or telephone payment systems, customers can post payments to Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Central Processing Unit, PO Box 23, Glasgow, G59 9DA.