SIR – The quotation ‘the law is an ass’ is credited to the 17th century dramatist George Chapman, but ultimately became more well known when used by Charles Dickens in his novel Oliver Twist.

It seems that little has changed in several centuries.

I read lately in this newspaper that a young man had been taken to court and fined for having no insurance on his motor vehicle. He faced a further charge of failing to produce a certificate of insurance. It is obvious that if he has no insurance then he will have no certificate.

This second offence resulted in him paying no extra penalty. The outcome was extra paperwork, more court time taken up, and more expense for no purpose.

For having no insurance he was fined half of what I pay every year to insure my small, low performing car.

I think the phrase ‘the law is an ass’ should be re-phrased, because the average donkey appears to have more sense that those who legislate and enforce our laws.

Keith Rayner, Laburnum Drive, Baildon