Pictured: Lucy Wood, associate motoring and transport solicitor at Rothera Dowson

A solicitor from one of the UK's leading transport law departments has criticised the government's proposal to increase the Victims' Surcharge paid by motorists caught speeding. 

Sweeping changes to the Victims' Surcharge scheme were announced this week, following a £50million cut in government funding. Larger fines for motoring offences would contribute to filling the gap, under Justice Secretary Ken Clarke's plans. 

However, the increased levy would apply to all motoring offences, rather than just those that go through the courts as happens under the current system. 

Lucy Wood, associate motoring and transport lawyer at Rothera Dowson solicitors based in Nottingham, has said that the plan, which will see £60 fines for even minor offences increased to around £100, needs more thorough consideration to make it fair. 

She said: "It seems anomalous that a person convicted of a low level speeding offence, involving no injury to anyone, should have to pay the same amount towards victim compensation as someone convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

"Whilst asking those convicted of offences to pay the victim surcharge is a good idea, the proposed system at present is extremely simplistic as it does not take into account the culpability of the offender or the seriousness of the crime."

However, the motoring law specialist has agreed that there are benefits to overhauling the system, under Mr Clarke's plans. 

She added: "Introducing some sort of sliding scale makes sense, provided that it is not so complicated that it involves wasting money trying to work out what amount should be paid."

For more legal advice from the transport team at Rothera Dowson, visit www.rotheradowson.co.uk.