ACT drivers who can’t afford to pay traffic and parking fines will be able to work off their debt through community service or pay instalments, under a new scheme starting this May.

Under changes to Road Transport Legislation announced by Attorney-General Simon Corbell today, financially disadvantaged people will be allowed to combine multiple parking and traffic infringements into one debt, which they can pay off through instalments that start from $10 a fortnight.

The new scheme, which starts on May 24, will also allow drivers to undertake community work or social development programs in place of payment, Mr Corbell said. Participation in such programs will discount an individual’s debt under at a set rate, and applications must be supported by the organisation that provides the program.

The only existing option for ACT drivers struggling to pay their fines has been to write to the Chief Police Officer and ask for an extension of time to pay a penalty notice.

“The new payment options will assist people whose personal situation makes it significantly harder for them to pay their traffic and parking penalties, particularly those who are disadvantaged financially or may be going through a particularly difficult period in their lives,” Mr Corbell said.

Instalment payments are automatically available to holders of certain pensioner or concession cards.

Mr Corbell also introduced changes to the minimum automatic disqualification period for driving with a susepended licence, making the penalty “proportionate to the reason for the original suspension”.