Courts will have more powers to collect fines

They could also see their fine increase by up to 50% more, their vehicle clamped or be put on a credit blacklist.

The move is aimed at cutting down on time and money spent on chasing people who persistently default on fines.

The idea will be tested next year. People who cannot afford to pay may be required to do unpaid work.

Means test

The government has recently gained new legal powers which makes collecting fines easier.

Six pilots Cambridgeshire: Increase fine by 25% if not paid in full Cumbria: Increase fine by 50% if not paid in full and on time Devon and Cornwall: Vehicle clamping South Yorkshire: Fine registration (similar to a blacklist) Gloucestershire: Piloting the entire scheme plus 50% increase

Under the scheme, people will face a �500 fine if they fail to submit information about their financial situation to the court.

An existing fine defaulter who is fined again will automatically receive an Attachment to Earnings or deductions from Benefits Order.

This means the fine can be automatically deducted from their salary or benefits.

If they cannot afford to pay, the court can make the offender pay the fine through unpaid work.

The fine and other penalties imposed by the court can only be taken off the Job Seekers' Allowance and Income Support, not benefits specifically aimed at disabled people.

What fines? Court imposed fines and "on the spot" fines, also known as Fixed penalty Notice (FPN) that are registered as fines

In addition to these new powers, the government will test different types of fines in six pilots around the country.

For example in Devon and Cornwall offenders will be faced with the threat of having their vehicle clamped, while in Cumbria fines can be increased by 50% if it is not paid in full and on time.

In South Yorkshire offenders could face going on a defaulters' list which could ultimately affect their credit rating.

Chris Leslie, courts minister, said the new system would provide fewer opportunities for people with a history of not paying to dodge their obligations.