Uninsured and often, therefore, untaxed drivers have long been a cause for concern in our district, and that concern is well placed.

The number of people adversely affected by those who disregard the law in this respect is high. Firstly, there are all those people who actually do pay their premiums: their bills are bigger because of the rogue drivers among us.

Secondly, there are those who are actually unfortunate enough to come into collision with an uninsured motorist. Not only do they have to contend with the aftermath of an accident but then shoulder some or all of the resulting costs. They are, in effect, victims twice over. A driver who fails to insure their vehicle is also, perhaps, more likely to avoid the MoT test and so may be driving around in what amounts to a deathtrap.

It is scandalous, against such a background, that the level of fines given to such drivers in this region is falling and is among the lowest in the country.

In fact, the average cost of a fine for driving without insurance handed out by West Yorkshire courts is only £144. That is a fraction of the cost some of these drivers would have to stump up for cover. Where, then, is the incentive for them to toe the line?

It is accepted that fines must pitched at such a level that those who receive them can afford to pay them and so means testing is inevitable. But they must also have a deterence effect - something which seems somewhat lacking in the present system.

Derbyshire magistrates hand out an average fine of more than £360, which seems nearer the mark, and our benches need to be looking at this level, rather than the national average, when it comes to punishing these menaces.