Fines 'could be increased fourfold'

%VIRTUAL-SkimlinksPromo%A fourfold increase in the maximum fines available to magistrates is to be introduced - meaning motorway speeders could be forced to pay up to £10,000, and disorderly drunks £4,000, the Government said.

Courts will also be able to levy unlimited fines for the first time for the most serious crimes dealt with in the lower courts - such as environmental offences - which at present attract penalties of up to £5,000 or more.