Letters

I recently received a traffic ticket from the police for the lack of lights over my licence plate. Sure, you know how surprised I was to learn that this was an offence punishable by a fine. (I did go to have the problem corrected forthwith only to discover the bulb was fine but the fuse was not plugged in; this resulted from work being done on the car previously). Of course we all know that ignorance of the law is no excuse.

In my naivete and continuing ignorance I decided to go to court with the hope that the judge (who, by the way, was extremely learned and very competent) would have exercised her discretion. You would not know how absolutely shocked I was when the judge charged me a greater sum than that on the ticket.

reasons for going to court

There were two motivating reasons for going to court. First, I felt the fine was excessive. Second, having spoken to the judge, I thought there would be an exercise of discretion and the fine would be lessened. On the contrary, the fine was increased; this seems to suggest that the intent was to punish you further if you dared come to court.

What causes me concern is not only the quantum of the fine but the lack of the rationale as to the lessening of some fines and the increasing of others. I am not sure what significant threat to society the lack of a light over my licence plate presented.

At this point in time, I have to relax in the knowledge that, after all is said and done, our police and resident magistrates are significant to the revenue collection process. So what can I say ... IMF ... Is my Fault. Hooray!

Concerned Citizen

Eliese41@yahoo.co.uk