Proposals for a reform of the wardens system, announced this afternoon, include warning tickets instead of fines for first offenders in some cases and incremental fines for repeat offenders and those who persist in not paying fines.

The proposals were announced by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said following a consultation period that marked the decade since the local enforcement system was introduced.

Dr Said said the focus of the reform was education to bring about more compliance while reducing the number of fines.

The reform also proposes legal amendments to strengthen local enforcement in construction site management, swimming zones, littering, heavy vehicles and public transport, noise pollution and animal welfare.

A Penalties Enforcement Registry will be set up to ensure the collection of unpaid fines. Once outstanding fines pass through all processes, including appeals and petitions, enforcement orders will be issued to offenders and they will be given the choice of immediate full settlement of payment by instalments.

If offenders fail to pay up and reminders are ignored, additional fees will be charged and the offender may lose his driving licence or the vehicle licence.

The option of on-the-spot payment by credit card is being proposed, possibly with lower fines to encourage such payment.

It is proposed that first offenders be handed a warning, rather than a ticket, while repeat offenders will face incremental penalties.

A new Local Enforcement Management Committee will also explore the option of unpaid community service in lieu of monetary payment.

Local law enforcement currently rakes in €9.5m every year when expenses total €4.5m, but Dr Said said that the government wanted education and compliance, not profit.