INITIATIVES are under way to ensure offenders pay for their offences, after figures revealed more than half the county's court fines are outstanding.

Research shows 52 per cent of penalties are currently unpaid, with 16 per cent of troublemakers getting away with their offences altogether.

The Wiltshire Magistrates' Courts Service, based in Salisbury, is tasked with ensuring the offenders pay but say lack of co-ordination between agencies can make the lawbreakers hard to trace.

"If a court fine becomes uncollectable because someone dies, they move abroad or we simply can't track them down, then it has to be written off," said assistant director of support services Yvonne Maunder.

"Last year, we had to write off 16 per cent of our fines, although, if we do find the person, it becomes active again."

Justices' chief executive Paul Wilcock added: "The government has been very slow in allowing us access to information held by other agencies.

"We are working on our own with very limited resources.

"If we catch up with people, we have nine enforcement officers who have to make civilians' arrests, and if we use police help, we have to pay them for it."

Last year, Wiltshire's two crown and five magistrates' courts imposed £4.8m in fines, of which only £3.3m-worth was paid.

It is estimated that £4,86m is outstanding nationwide.

"Included in this figure are fines that are later reduced when a defendant proves they cannot afford what the magistrates have ordered, and part of the fine is cancelled," added Mr Wilcock.

The department for constitutional affairs has introduced a seven-point plan to tackle the spiralling problem.

"From the autumn, fines can be paid by credit or debit card, and a new Allpay system is being introduced so that people can pay at shops and post offices," said Mr Wilcock.

"They are also making it easier for fines to be deducted from wages.

"We are not complacent. We put all our efforts into identifying those who won't pay and we pursue them with vigour."

"There are fines clinics and help available for those who can't pay but they must get in touch with us, because they are storing up serious trouble for the future.

"Payment of court fines has become a national priority and we shall get tough on those who don't pay."

If you would like help or advice about paying a fine, contact the Wiltshire Magistrates' Courts Service accounts office, on 01793 699800.