From 1 May 2009 the road tax rates will changed so as to reflect the government’s plan to move towards a CO2-driven rating system for vehicles.

In a move designed to cut road deaths by a third, the government has announced plans to cut the speed limits on many A-roads and to introduce a whole new raft of measures designed to make the job of policing our roads easier and more effective.

Government proposals to relax the rules relating to traffic flows could see the introduction by many local authorities of the so called “green wave” system for traffic lights.

Under new laws introduced this week, drivers (both private and commercial) who live outside the UK will no longer be able to escape the penalties faced by UK offenders. The Police and examiners from the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) can now collect on-the-spot payments from alleged offenders who cannot provide a satisfactory UK address.

Would-be taxi drivers wanting to work in the area covered by North Devon District Council now have to be assessed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) before being given a licence to drive a cab.