Targets are important for all roles in order to measure performance against objectives. The targets need to be smarter so that plod aren’t temped to stick a FPN on when they should be using judgment. The fines mostly don’t go to plod and the cost of processing fines takes up vast amounts of resources particularly when they are appealed. The real damage is the relationship with the public. This all started in the late 90s when legislators snuck in changes to laws to allow more automated processing of fines and leveraging civil penalties (e.g ASBOs). Some of these have been reversed fortunately. Sadly, the only way to keep forces focused is to restrict funding. I remember the years under labour when police forces were able to partner with all sorts to raise revenue, for questionable activities. Fortunately those incentives are now gone.