Following the review of unit fines in the last Legal
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Bulletin some practical problems have become apparent, which are summed up in a recent speeding case.
A businessman driving along the Ml from London to Leeds was caught and prosecuted for doing 96mph. Under the unit fine system he was fined £800.
• Later the same day his car was broken into and the car radio stolen. The thief, who was unemployed, was caught, convicted and fined £80.
Unit fines were introduced to ensure that penalties were to an extent means tested, so that people on low incomes were not saddled with fines that were beyond their means. But the system seems to place too much emphasis on means, as • opposed to the seriousness of the offence Not only are there large discrepancies on sentencing on any particular offence, but the law almost seems to be encouraging people to offend. For example, some vehicle owners seem to have decidedit is cheaper to pay fines for having no insurance than it is to insure their vehicles.
There is now substantial pressure on the Government to amend the unit fines system— not only from lawyers, but from the magistrates themselves. Such a change cannot come too soon.