Seoul tests new system for improving collection of fines

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday it will enforce a new system for levying fines that will at once improve their collection rate and help citizens benefit from discounts for early payment.

Starting Monday, municipal authorities will use hand-held devices to issue fine notices on the spot for littering and overloading vehicles. Under the current system, such notices were mailed to the violators' homes.

After testing the system in three regions, the municipal government plans to implement it throughout the capital from March.

City officials expect the new method to improve the fine collection rate from 50 percent to 70 percent, adding 4.2 billion won ($3.77 million) to city coffers, and save 1.6 billion won in mailing costs.

More citizens are also expected to take advantage of the 20 percent reduction given to those who pay the penalties on time. In the past, many people missed the opportunity due to delays in mail delivery and other inconveniences.

The current fine for chewing gum or cigarette butt litter in Seoul is between 30,000 and 50,000 won, depending on the region, while unauthorized disposal of garbage is subject to up to a 500,000 won fine, and overloading vehicles at up to 5 million won. (Yonhap)