Apparently the much-hated £15 "victim levy" will become active on magistrates court fines from Monday. Fine payers will be forced to pay an additional £15 contribution to a fund for the victims of crime.

Most of the fines actually paid come from responsible motorists in violation of a petty technical regulation.

Paul Smith, founder of www.safespeed.org.uk said: "It's a stealth tax on motoring and shows just how much this government hates motorists."

"Doubtless motorists will make their wrath clear at the next election."