In data released to the Otago Daily Times under the Official Information Act by the Ministry of Justice, the cost of overdue fines in Otago as at October 1, 2023 reached $9.3m.
The ministry calculated the data based on Otago being the region where the action that caused the fine occurred, and not where the recipient lived.
On January 1, the outstanding number of fines was 50,024, which equated to an outstanding balance of $9,994,925.75.
By October 1 this year, that number fell by 4148 fines, to 45,876.
Of all the fines issued, exceeding 50kmh in a restricted area generated the most in the Otago region.
A police spokesman said police would be very happy never to issue another speeding ticket.
"That would show people were driving safely within the speed limit and the flow-on reduction in fatalities and serious injuries from crashes would be plain for everyone to see."
The oldest overdue fine for Otago was also listed, someone having a court fine that has been overdue and awaiting payment for 38 years.
If infringement fees are not paid to the issuing authority, such as the police, before the final due date, the issuing authority may decide to file the infringement with the court, where it then becomes a court fine.
A ministry spokeswoman said if payment was not made within 28 days, or the payment arrangement failed, enforcement actions could be taken.
It was not said in the Official Information Act request whether any enforcement action had taken place for the 38-year-old fine.
