Paragraph 1 Power to impose variable monetary penalties

(1)

SEPA may by notice impose a variable monetary penalty on a person in relation to a relevant offence.

(2)

Before doing so SEPA must be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person has committed the offence to which the penalty relates.

(3)

A “variable monetary penalty” is, subject to sub-paragraph (4), a requirement to pay SEPA a penalty of such an amount as SEPA may in each case determine.

(4)

SEPA may not impose a variable monetary penalty that exceeds the following maximum amounts—

(a)

in the case mentioned in sub-paragraph (5), the maximum amount of the fine that may be imposed on summary conviction in such a case; and

(b)

in any other case, £40,000.

(5)

The case is one where the offence in respect of which the variable monetary penalty is imposed is—

(a)

triable summarily (whether or not it is also triable on indictment); and

(b)

is punishable on summary conviction by a fine (whether or not it is also punishable by a term of imprisonment).