Brisbane business risks losing $2 million due to fines

A family business in Brisbane is in trouble due to nearly $9,500 in traffic fines they should not have to pay. Nationwide Auto Wholesale, owned by Justin Stubberfield, faces losing $2 million worth of stock if they do not resolve these fines. Stubberfield and his staff buy cars from dealers and sell them to customers. They handle around 300 vehicles each month. The fines result from unpaid tolls and traffic infringements incurred by drivers who owned the cars before them. The process of resolving these fines is difficult. Stubberfield's twin sister, Jenny James, explains that it requires extensive paperwork and can consume a lot of their time. Recently, they received a warrant demanding payment and limiting their ability to trade. Stubberfield expressed concern, stating that if the fines go unresolved, several families could lose their jobs. He and James are struggling with stress from the situation. Their attempts to contact Queensland Transport and the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) for help have been unsuccessful. SPER has taken action against the business despite some past successes in resolving fines. The current demands threaten approximately 100 vehicles owned by the company. The fines come from three vehicles, but some declarations they submitted were not accepted. In the car industry, it is common for businesses to pay fines simply to avoid lengthy processes and risks. Recently, Stubberfield learned he can sell cars again, but he remains worried about the future of his business.