I have now heard from the Ministry of Justice regarding the situation over motorists defence costs. I would summarize proposal 2009 No. 2720 as follows: A Court may make a Defendant's Cost Order on application where a defendant is found not guilty or has the charges withdrawn. The rates and scales for recovering costs are limited to the Legal Aid Rates (www.justice.gov.uk/publications/defendant-costs-orders-rates.htm), which currently in the Magistrate's Court for solicitors include an hourly rate of £49.70 for preparation, £62.35 for advocacy and £26.30 travelling time + waiting time. Additionally, they can recover the costs of Expert's reports and attendance and other disbursements provided they are reasonable.