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ONLINE PAYMENTS
You can pay using most of the major credit and debits cards online. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Switch, Barclaycard, Solo or Delta. All payments are processed using a high level of encryption using a key of up to 128-bits so you can be sure your payments are safe. Your account will be updated on the same day (or the next working day outside of normal office hours). Click here to pay by this method.
PAYMENTS TO THE COURT
It is important that you quote your reference number on all correspondence or when contacting the relevant Court office as your account and all financial records are kept under this number. It is also a safeguard that ensures your payments are made to the correct account - there may be several accounts that have the same, or similar, name.
FINE, COSTS AND COMPENSATION
A notice of fine will be sent to you informing you of the amount payable.
This will also show your individual reference number. If making payments
by post or in person, this notice should be used.
If the fine notice is not received by the time the first payment is due, payment should be made as ordered and notify the Court office of its non arrival.
If payment is not made as ordered and kept up-to-date, the Court will begin an enforcement process. This process could render you liable to arrest, or your goods to be seized by bailiffs.
If you have difficulty in making payments, contact the relevant Court office, or the Citizens' Advice Bureau who can advise and assist you.
Do not wait until you receive an enforcement notice.
METHODS OF PAYMENT
Paypoint and Post Office Counters
This enables payment at any Post Office counter or any branch of the Co-operative
Bank free of charge. There is a payment slip on your fine notice.
If further payments are to be made in this way, a paying-in book is available
at no extra charge from the Court office.
Note: If any bank other than the Co-operative Bank is
used - you could be charged. Cash can be used at the Bank and Post Office
avoiding fees on postal orders.
Standing Order
This enables payments to be made direct from your bank account to that
of the Court automatically. Please contact the relevant Court office for
a standing order form.
Credit/Debit Cards
DELTA/VISA/SWITCH/MASTERCARD
Most major credit cards are accepted at the payments counter by post and by telephone. The smallest amount accepted is £20.
Payment may be made by telephone.
By Post
Payment is sent to the relevant Court address at your own risk. Cheques
and postal orders should be made payable to "The Clerk to the Justices"
and crossed.
It is not advisable to send cash by post. All correspondence should be properly stamped. If a receipt is required you should provide a stamped addressed envelope.
CITIZEN'S ADVICE BUREAU MONEY ADVICE SERVICE
The Citizens' Advice Bureau provides a Money Advice Service at Bedford
& Mid Bedfordshire and Luton & South Bedfordshire Magistrates' Courts
to advise people with fines. This service is free of charge and is independent
of the Court.
The service will:
- Make sure you are getting all the money you are entitled to, eg benefits
- Draw up a budget to make sure that, as far as possible, your normal living expenses can be met
- Help you make an offer of payment towards your fine and, where necessary other priority creditors, eg fuel, water, rent/mortgage
- Advise you on Court procedures
You will need to:
- Provide all the information you are asked for
- Always attend interview, or make contact if this is not possible
- Stick to agreements made for you
Important:
- The Money Advice Service will not judge you or the decisions you have made
- The Money Advice Service will help you regardless of your race, gender age, disability or sexuality
- The Money Advice Service operates this process because it works - it will not work if you do not stick to what is agreed