Strict new measures are being imposed by courts to cut down on North-East fines defaulters.

County Durham Magistrates Courts Committee has contracted an enforcement company to keep on top of people who owe money.

Working with the police and Government agencies, the company tracks down anyone who has failed to pay a fine. Offenders are then brought before a court.

Since the implementation of legislation taking fine collection out of the hands of the police, courts have struggled to cope with the high level of unpaid fines.

Since the Access to Justice Act came into force last year, the courts committee reports that the level of fine dodging has increased by 20 per cent. At the start of the year money owing stood at £1.7m.

In 2000-01 the fine collection rate for Durham courts stood at only 67 per cent, with ten per cent, or £514,831, of fines being written off.

TNC, the company contracted to execute distress warrants and warrants of arrest, has increased the number of bailiffs and warrant officers working full-time in the county. This has already resulted in an increase in payments.

The company targets defendants who have failed to comply with community penalties.

With the backing of the courts and Government agencies, including Durham Constabulary, the Probation Service and the Department of Social Security, offenders are tracked down to appear before the courts.

The scheme is proving successful and, as a result, the company has this month opened a sub-office at Darlington Magistrates Court which will be open between 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Thursday, for any queries and payments where warrants have been issued by justices.

Brinley Jones, head of county finance, gave out a strong warning to anyone considering dodging fine payments: "Comply with court orders of the Justices.

"If you cannot, contact the finance office immediately. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, contact TNC at once to arrange payment or to appear before the court."