FINE defaulters in the region are being warned of strict new measures being imposed by courts to cut down on payment dodging.

In a bid to reduce the level of unpaid fines, County Durham Magistrates Courts Committee has introduced new methods to catch such criminals.

The committee has contracted a specialist enforcement company to ensure that fine collection is carried out.

Working with the police and government agencies the company tracks down anyone who has failed to pay a fine. Once the company has found offenders they are 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.

The Access to Justice Act came into force last year and the County Durham Magistrates Courts Committee has since reported the level of fine dodging has increased by 20 per cent and at the start of the year stood at £1.7million.

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

TNC(ok), 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.

And this has resulted in an increase in the amount of payments that have been collected.

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 for 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 9.30 to 3.30, Monday to Thursday, for any queries and payments where warrants have been issued by justices.

Brinley (ok) 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."