FIVE vehicles were seized in just one day in the Lothian and Borders Sheriffdom, including one from a woman from Prestonpans, from drivers who had repeatedly failed to pay outstanding fines totalling more than £1,500.

The crackdown came as Lothian and Borders Fines Enforcement Officers took tough action against wilful non-payers.

In all five cases, the offenders had numerous opportunities to make payment of their fines at a reasonable and affordable instalment rate – but did not pay up.

Seizure orders were issued by the courts and the vehicles were clamped.

The female driver from Prestonpans had three unpaid parking fines dating back to 2013 and had refused all contact with the court and attempts to establish a schedule of payment, which is why enforcement action was taken.

A vehicle seizure order was issued by Edinburgh Justice of the Peace Court and the outstanding fines were successfully recovered.

SCTS Chief Operations Officer David Fraser said: “The fines enforcement team continue to be highly effective in securing unpaid fines – ignoring your fine and not speaking to an enforcement officer if you are having difficulty paying is very unwise.

“Failure to pay, or to engage with our officers, will result in strong sanctions being taken including arrestment of wages, bank accounts, your car being clamped or inconvenience and embarrassment by being arrested when travelling abroad.”