The victim surcharge was introduced in 2007, to raise money for support services for crime victims, and consists of an extra £15 being added to the fines of those convicted of a crime. Now the Government wants to extend the scheme to include fixed penalty notices and on-the-spot fines, as ministers believe that these are not victimless crimes as thousands are injured or killed  on the roads every year. This would mean that for offences such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or using a mobile phone whilst driving, the fine would be £75.

The Justice Minster, Claire Ward, said in November 2009: "It is government policy that, where possible, offenders should contribute to victims' services as part of their reparation."  She told MPs in the House of Commons that the surcharge would be added as soon as it was "feasible to do so".

However, the director of the RAC Foundation, said that many motorists would believe this to be a "stealth tax".  He went on to say that if money is needed for victims, it should be deducted from the existing charges.

Full story - BBC News 04/01/10