I refer to your Opinion ‘The unanswered question of fines’ . Like everybody else, apart from those who prefer not to pay, I am appalled at the sum unpaid.

When in Florida some years ago fines were to be paid in cash on the spot. If a defendant did not have the money immediately available, he was kept in custody until someone on his behalf came to the court with the requisite payment. Of over 50 defendants I saw that morning, only three found themselves detained.

Why can we not adopt a similar arrangement?

Anthony Ostrin, solicitor, London NW6.