Oh Good - Here's Another Bright Idea

The BBC reports on a new and exciting criminal justice initiative from the Downing Street sofa - a fifteen quid surcharge on all fines to benefit victims. No surcharge on fixed penalties though, the government is terrified enough of the driving lobby as it is.

Unfortunately, the court has an overriding duty, enshrined in law, to make financial penalties reasonably payable having regard to the defendant's means. So what we will have to do is to reduce the fine by £15, before sticking this ridiculous imposition on top.

Has any of these politicians even seen the inside of a magistrates' court?