I was very interested in the article Scales of Justice (July 21).

Of the speeding fines, the amounts which the courts were taking varied considerably, as if on a whim. I am intrigued to know what is the purpose of a ‘victim’s surcharge’. With a speeding fine, there is not a victim unless someone is hurt – unless it is another tax.

I noticed that a lady of 88 was fined for speeding at 36mph. We must all feel much easier sleeping at night, knowing the police are apprehending such people. Shame they are not so hot on lead being stolen from church roofs.

There was also a man convicted of 32mph in St Giles, for breaking the 20mph limit. Having worked in Oxford for the last 16 years, and taking the Park and Ride, I remember seeing from the bus, a speed trap set up in in St Giles at just after 1pm. There must have been 20 officers, all dress in their best bling, pulling drivers over, on a day when the A34 was blocked and the Botley Road in chaos.

The other thing I notice from the bus at 7am, then walking to work, is the number of cyclists riding on sidewalks, jumping red lights, riding the wrong way and, in winter, riding with no lights. I did not read one report of a cyclist in court for an offence. Well, I can say that at 7am, you don.t see a policeman or woman on patrol. A very interesting and eye-opening article into our  so-called justice system.

RICHARD FROUD, Foliat Drive, Wantage

 

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