Poor box used in 540 cases of driving offences in first three months

In spite of Government plans to scrap the court "poor box" and legislation preventing it from being used as an alternative to fines or penalty points, judges in the first three months of this year directed offenders in 540 driving cases to contribute to the fund.

Courts use the poor box to impose a financial contribution on a defendant which is given to charity.

The charge is in lieu of the person receiving a criminal conviction.