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Finnish gov't to collect 20 mln euros by doubling violation fines over misconducts

Xinhua, September 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Finnish government has increased the level of violation fines over misconducts to fill up gaps in state budge, Finnish media reported Tuesday.

Almost all fixed fines levied on-the-spot for small offences, including traffic violations and other wrongdoings, will be doubled from Sept. 1, 2015. Currently, the minimum fine is 20 euros (22.5 U.S. dollars) and the maximum is 200 euros.

According to Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, a total of 300,000 units of violation fines are imposed each year, most of which are for speeding. Fines for minor offenses are given mostly for urinating in a public place and providing alcoholic beverages to underage people.

The plan outlined by the Finnish government aims to collect more money for public finances. Increasing the level of the fines will bring in about 20 million euros for the government annually.

The current level of fines was made in 1999. The government considers that the Finnish fines are among the lowest in Europe even after the levels are doubled.

Some Finnish law experts criticized the government plan.

Sakari Melander, professor of criminal law from the University of Helsinki, told Finnish national broadcaster Yle that there is room for a small increase in fixed penalty fines, as they have not been increased since 1999, but a twofold increase or more would be too much. Endit