BURLINGTON — A little-known policy created by Vermont’s judiciary years ago allows the state’s judges to be reimbursed for their daily commutes between home and court, minus the first 20 miles of each round trip.

The Burlington Free Press says the policy, which was never approved by the Legislature, gives the judges and Supreme Court justices 55 cents per mile.

The newspaper’s review (http://bfpne.ws/LIrxeg ) found that nearly $80,000 was paid in mileage reimbursements to judges in 2011, up more than $15,000 from 2010. The highest mileage payment in 2011 was $6,893 to Judge Robert Gerety of White River Junction.

Judge Dennis Pearson, who received $4,392, commutes 32 miles each way to court. Pearson says the trip causes wear and tear on his car but he would take advantage of the payments.