When You Pay Road Tax

• Road tax shall be payable in advance in respect of every motor vehicle on or before the fifteenth of April each year. The owner of a motor vehicle shall have the option of paying the tax in four quarterly installments payable on or before the fifteenth of April, July, October and January.

• a person fails to pay an installment of tax within fifteenth of April, July, October and January each year, he shall be liable to pay in addition to arrears of taxes, penalty as prescribed.

• In case of default of payment of road taxes, the arrears of taxes will be recoverable as arrears to Land revenue.

Data Extraction

If the selection of crashes for upload to SAFETYNET is done by computer extraction, it is critical that all the necessary elements are present to accurately make the extraction. For crashes involving non-fatal injuries, or vehicle damage, additional data are very important. The selection criteria related to crash severity requires identification that a person was BOTH injured and transported for treatment or that a vehicle was BOTH towed and received disabling damage

Potential Crash Report Problems

Limited space on a form can result in the use of space saving measures such as a “merging” of data elements into a single field. This can result in fields that don’t appropriately record the intended data. One example would be the use of the same field for the officer to record the registered vehicle owner and the responsible carrier. The owner of the vehicle is NOT always the motor carrier. If the officer records the name of the owner and the USDOT of the proper motor carrier, this will produce a mis-match when the case is uploaded in SAFETYNET. Conversely, recording the motor carrier can cause the registered vehicle owner to be lost. Another example would be a lack of sufficient space for the officer to write the entire motor carrier name or address. This promotes abbreviations and partial names to be recorded, making it difficult to resolve any errors.

Carrier Identification

The information on interstate or intrastate carriers is provided to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which uses the data to target unsafe carriers for more in-depth investigations. A poor safety record can lead to a carrier losing its operating authority. Missing or inaccurate carrier information when reporting on a qualifying crash can allow “unsafe” carriers to escape regulation or cause “safe” carriers to inappropriately have their safety records affected. Consequently, when reporting crashes it is critical to report the correct carrier name, number and address.

NOTE: The companies and carriers shown in the photographs on this site are included for illustrative purposes only. These images in NO WAY indicate or imply unsafe or improper operating practices by those pictured.

Onboard Monitoring to Improve Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

The overall objective of this program is to determine whether onboard monitoring and feedback can improve C commercial motor vehicle driver performance and safety. This project will (1) define which driver performance aspects should be measured, (2) determine the best means of communicating information to the driver (e.g., real-time or delayed feedback), (3) design and development of a prototype suite, and (4) develop a research methodology for the follow-on FOT.

Enhanced Rear Signaling for Commercial Motor Vehicles

In September, 2005 FMCSA initiated development of a prototype enhanced rear signaling system for use on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The system incorporates countermeasures that were developed in Phase I of this project. The system was evaluated by installing it on a test truck and by observing the behavior of drivers in real-world conditions. Based on the analysis of following driver behavior, the system showed that there are possible benefits to this system, or elements of this system, when used on CMVs. FMCSA is now considering conducting a field operational test (FOT) to further explore this system.

The countermeasures identified in Phase I include: (1) LED brake lamps with an ambient light sensor to make the lamps brighter in direct sunlight and more conspicuous in bright ambient light, (2) brake lamps that are activated by engine braking to address the increasing use of jake brakes in CMVs, (3) additional conspicuity markings that create a more accurate perception of the truck position for following drivers, (4) a sensor system that detects and tracks a following vehicle and sounds a focused audio signal and illuminates a traffic clearing lamp when the vehicle is following too closely or approaching at too high a rate of speed.

Phase III of the Enhanced Rear Signaling project will entail lab, simulator, track, and jury tests to ascertain the best configuration and combination of countermeasures to be used in a large scale FOT. In addition, a large scale, 18-month FOT will be designed. The research will entail exploration of most effective photometric characteristics of the enhanced brake lamps, comparison of existing required retro-reflective markings with the octagonal retro-reflective markings developed in Phase I, and lab/simulator and/or track tests of changes in closure rates with the prototype and without.

Phase IV of the Enhanced Rear Signaling project will execute a large-scale field operational test to analyze the benefits of the prototype system developed in Phase II. Its goal will be to determine the effectiveness of the specific components of the system and develop support for any potential rulemaking action that NHTSA may choose to undertake.

Advanced Driver Fatigue Research – GWU earmark

This report summarizes the findings of the Advanced Driver Fatigue Research project conducted by the Center for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR) of the George Washington University, and funded by FMCSA. This goal of this project was to develop an unobtrusive drowsy driver detection system for commercial motor carriers. CISR previously developed an effective drowsiness detection system for automobiles that relied solely on the driver’s steering patterns for input. This project’s evaluation of this system confirms that this approach is equally valid for truck drivers, despite the differences between truck and automobile driving. The drowsy driver detection system exhibited acceptable false positive and false negative readings and an ideal warning rate before crashes.

Thermal Imaging Inspection System

FMCSA has launched a project to demonstrate a thermal imaging inspection system (TIIS) that leverages state-of-the-art thermal imagery technology, integrated with signature recognition software, in order to provide the capability to identify in real-time faults and impending failures in tires, brakes, and bearings mounted on large trucks and motor coaches. A two-year research grant was awarded to International Electronic Machines Corporation for $1.4 million to conduct the TIIS project, as directed by Congress under Section 5513 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Act of 2005.

The project will be conducted in a field environment along the interstate highway to further assess the system ability to identify commercial motor vehicle (CMV) component faults and failures. A predictive tool that identifies impending tire, brake, or bearing failures and provides a timeframe in which these failures may occur will be developed and integrated into the TIIS. This project will also assess technological enhancements in the capabilities of thermal imaging systems, as related to the Agency prior research of infrared technology conducted six years ago.

Roads

The total length of roads in KwaZulu-Natal is 25,600 km. This includes 1,147 km of the road network in the eThekwini Metro area and 1,138 km of national routes. 6,656 km are surfaced and 18,943 km are gravel.

The main national routes are the N3 (Durban to Gauteng), N2 South (Durban to Kokstad) and the N2 North (Durban to Pongola). The N3 to Gauteng is the busiest road freight corridor in South Africa, carrying a volume of over 1.5 million vehicles per year on the Durban to Pietermaritzburg section. The authorities charged with the maintenance of provincial roads face the continual challenge of maintaining the condition of roads with limited funds, in spite of increasing usage.

The combined effect of national policies of deregulation of road transport, commercialisation of rail, increased legal axle-mass loads and gross combination mass of heavy vehicles has resulted in a continual shift of cargo from rail to road transport. This results in an increase in road damage, accidents, congestion and gas emissions.

The situation is aggravated by endemic overloading of heavy vehicles which, though better controlled in KZN than the rest of the country, has negative consequences for the life of the roads in the province.

The cumulative effects of increasing road usage and accumulated deficits in the funding of road maintenance are felt by all road users in terms of increased vehicle operating costs. The deteriorating condition of roads in KwaZulu-Natal is a cause for grave concern as it contributes to rising costs, inflation and increasing accident rates. It is noteworthy that the Department has in recent years, placed considerable emphasis on the development of roads in remote rural areas and is in the process of upgrading several major provincial roads such as the P700 route to Ulundi and the P496 John Ross Highway from Empangeni to Richards Bay .

It will in the near future be critically necessary to reassess the provision of road infrastructure between the N3 corridor and the Port of Durban as increasing congestion and delays are having a negative impact on the efficiency of the logistics system surrounding the port.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is similar to a diesel oxidation catalyst and is one of the two major technologies being employed to meet the 2007 emissions regulations. A DPF is considered a “flow-through’ device whereby the exhaust is forced through a honeycomb shaped, ceramic filter that is blocked at one end. Because of this design, it is important to monitor the exhaust back pressure and ensure the DPF is cleaned properly so that the filter does not become blocked. Most filters are designed to clean themselves (referred to as passive regeneration) but this requires an elevated engine temperature to burn off the trapped PM. For vehicles that don’t meet the minimum temperature requirements, the filter will trigger what’s referred to as an ‘active regeneration event’. This means that some diesel fuel will be allowed to pass through the engine un-combusted and will be burnt over the catalyst, allowing the PM within the filter to be burned away. One major difference between the DOC and DPF is that the DPF requires the use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel with sulfur content at or below 15 parts per million. Emission reductions are approximately 50 - 90% for PM, 90% for hydrocarbons and 90% for carbon monoxide.

ALCOHOL MISUSE

The primary objective of the controlled substances use and alcohol misuse program is deterrence rather than detection. Public safety is best served if drivers are aware of the effects of alcohol and controlled substances on health, safety, and the work environment.

Consequently, the FMCSA believes that educating drivers and training supervisors are

essential for these programs to be effective. Employers are required to provide educational materials for drivers (see Chapter 3) and training for supervisors prior to the start of testing (§382.601 and §382.603, respectively).

Furthermore, the FMCSA regulations and associated DOT regulations (49 CFR part 40) specify the involvement of professional and technical personnel in the administration of your alcohol and controlled substances program. These personnel include the medical review officer (MRO), the substance abuse professional (SAP), the screening test

More stations benefit from funding to improve access

Accessibility is to improve at 45 more stations in England and Wales, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced today. The stations have been included in the second round of the Department for Transport's Access for All funding.

Access for All is a ring-fenced fund of over £370 million through to 2015. The investment will make stations easier for disabled people to use. It means that passengers will get an obstacle free, accessible route from station entrances, to and between all platforms. The funding is provided over and above commitments made in franchises, the ongoing renewal of stations and major station improvement projects.

Today's announcement brings the number of stations to be improved to 92, with a third round of stations expected to be announced next year. Work will be carried out by Network Rail and completed between 2009 - 2011.

In addition, the Government has allocated an additional £2.5m in the second round of Small Schemes funding. This will deliver enhancements such as ramps, induction loops, improved flooring and disabled parking at over 300 stations. The funding, part of the Access for All fund announced in March, will be matched by funding from elsewhere in the industry, bringing the total level of investment to almost £12m.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"We want to encourage more passengers to use the rail network, and part of that is ensuring that stations are accessible. Lifts, step-free access, more disabled parking and better signage make a significant difference to many.

"These improvements will deliver real benefits for disabled passengers."

Boost for road safety drive; Road Safety Bill granted Royal Assent

The Government's ongoing drive to improve safety on our roads took a significant step forward today after the Road Safety Bill was granted Royal Assent.

The Road Safety Act will introduce the new offences of causing death by careless driving or causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured. It will crack down on motorists who break the law by driving without insurance, or using a vehicle that is unroadworthy, and will also make it more difficult for foreign drivers to escape penalties for driving offences committed in the UK.

It will also bring in measures to raise driving standards through better education and training, and offer more appropriate penalties for offences such as speeding or driving using a hand-held mobile phone.

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said:

"We have one of the best safety records in the world. Over 15,000 fewer people were killed or seriously injured in road accidents in 2005 than compared to the mid-1990s. But nine people still die needlessly every day, causing terrible trauma for their families and friends. That is why we are determined to stamp out bad and irresponsible driving, which endangers us all.

"The new Road Safety Act plugs gaps in current legislation to stop drivers who kill walking away from court with just a fine. It clamps down on those who keep untaxed, uninsured or unroadworthy vehicles. It provides greater powers as we work to eradicate the scourge of drink driving and puts in place measures to improve the training and testing of our young drivers."

Home Office Minister Gerry Sutcliffe added:

"We believe the new offences of causing death by careless driving and causing death while driving unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured strike the right balance between the level of criminal fault on the part of the bad driver and the devastation their actions can cause. We've responded to the concerns of families, victims, road safety groups and the police. That's why we've created a tougher legal framework to deal with bad driving. "

Research shows that one moment of carelessness on the road can have serious consequences. 32% of car occupants die in single vehicle accidents, which involve no other vehicle, and statistics show that these types of accidents are increasing. It is for this reason the Road Safety Act is being introduced.

Its main actions are:

1. Introducing a new offence of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and of causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured. These offences will carry a carry a custodial sentence of up to 5 years and 2 years respectively and are likely to come into law next year. The Act will also increase the penalty fines for careless and inconsiderate driving, doubling the fine from £2500 to £5000;

2. Introducing the new offence of being the registered keeper of an uninsured vehicle. This will carry a fixed penalty fine of £100 plus the power for the enforcement authorities to clamp and, in appropriate cases, dispose of such vehicles. Technology already in place - automatic number plate recognition cameras - linked to databases of uninsured vehicles already helps police to instantly spot and ultimately seize and destroy cars being driven without insurance. Consultation on the detailed regulations for this scheme will be launched early next year;

3. The penalties for the existing offences of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving and for failing to have proper control of a vehicle will be increased to include three penalty points and a £60 fixed penalty fine;

4. The range of penalty points for speeding is to be extended and retraining for speeders will be available under the new Act. This will allow tougher punishment for those who speed the most seriously, as well as scope for lesser penalties for less severe speeding. Consultation on the detail of how this will work will be launched soon;

5. The Act will give the Government powers to make repeat drink-drive offenders retake their driving test. It will ensure that repeat offenders are kept from driving until they have completed the necessary medical examination. It also enables the future use of alcohol ignition interlocks - which have been shown to be very effective in discouraging persistent re-offending.

6. To prevent foreign drivers evading penalties for breaking our laws of the Road, the Act will enable police and VOSA enforcement officers to require offenders who cannot supply a satisfactory UK address to pay an immediate deposit in lieu of a fixed penalty, or pending a court hearing. If they fail to pay the deposit officers are to be given powers to immobilise the vehicle, preventing drivers from leaving the country before payment of a fixed penalty.

7. To improve the training and testing available to young or new drivers, the Act will facilitate the introduction of new arrangements for professional driving instructors, thereby helping to further improve their standards. It will also provide for the introduction of mandatory quality assurance arrangements in those areas of driver training that are not currently regulated, and where there is a clear need for intervention to raise standards. Alongside this, it provides for the publishing of information about persons and organisations providing driver training.

Extra Leeds Nottingham train services announced

A four-fold increase in Leeds - Nottingham train services was announced by the Department for Transport today.

Around £2m per year has been pledged by DfT to substantially increase the number of train services between Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield. Currently Midland Mainline runs seven trains daily between Sheffield and Nottingham, two of which extend to Leeds.

From December 2008 the cities will receive 28 daily services. Passengers will receive a more regular service throughout the day, with extra trains operating at morning and evening peak times.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"This is good news for passengers in Leeds and Nottingham who will benefit from a four-fold increase in services. It will mean more capacity at busy times, more seats for passengers and will develop transport links between these important cities."

The services will start with the new December 2008 timetable which will be finalised by spring 2008 and will be operated by Northern Rail. It is expected that all trains will call on an hourly basis at Wakefield Kirkgate, Barnsley, Meadowhall, Sheffield, Chesterfield and Alfreton, and many will also call at Dronfield and Langley Mill. Dronfield station will receive a substantially better service than today. This is in addition to the existing semi-fast service between Leeds and Sheffield via Barnsley.

Heidi Mottram, Managing Director, Northern Rail said: "This is an excellent opportunity to provide additional services for customers between the major centres of the East Midlands and Yorkshire, building on the early success and significant growth Northern Rail has had in the first two years of our franchise."

Waterborne Freight in the United Kingdom 2005

The Department for Transport has today published, in Waterborne Freight in the United Kingdom 2005, National Statistics on freight traffic carried on UK inland waters, around the UK coast, to and from UK offshore installations and sea dredging.

The report shows that:

* in 2005, 49 million tonnes of cargo were carried on inland waters (9 per cent higher than the previous year). This included both non-seagoing traffic and seagoing traffic crossing into inland waters.

* goods moved (defined as the tonnage lifted multiplied by the distance travelled) rose by 8 per cent to 1.6 billion tonne-kilometres.

* inland waters traffic has fallen over the last decade in terms of both goods lifted (by 20 per cent) and goods moved (by 14 per cent).

* non-seagoing traffic rose by 31 per cent in 2005 to 3.4 million tonnes lifted. Goods moved in 2005 rose by 10 per cent to 0.17 billion tonne-kilometres.

* sea going traffic crossing into inland waters rose by 8 per cent in 2005 to 45 million tonnes lifted and by 7 per cent to 1.5 billion tonne-kilometres moved.

* total water transport, including inland waters traffic, coastwise, UK offshore oil and gas and sea dredging accounted for 6 per cent of goods lifted and 24 per cent of goods moved by all modes of transport in the UK, in 2005.

* crude petroleum and petroleum products dominated total waterborne freight traffic, amounting to 47 billion tonne-kilometres of goods moved in 2005 (78 per cent of all waterborne freight).

* UK registered ships handled 9.8 million tonnes of coastwise and UK offshore oil cargoes in 2005 (12 per cent of all vessel traffic).

* the Thames was the busiest of the major inland waterways, lifting 19 million tonnes and moving 0.7 billion tonne-kilometres in 2005. The Forth was next busiest, lifting 8.5 million tonnes and moving 0.18 billion tonne-kilometres.

Franchise agreement reinstated for west coast services

The Department for Transport today announced that it has reinstated the franchise agreement with Virgin Rail Group to operate services on the West Coast Main Line.

This replaces the 'Letter Agreement' that was put in place in 2002 following the failure of Railtrack to deliver previously agreed improvements to the main line.

The Franchise Agreement announced today puts the contract on a secure financial footing and will ensure that further benefits are delivered to passengers using the main line service from the end of 2008. These were outlined in the Government's progress report in May 2006 and include:

* 50% increase in frequency in London - Birmingham and London - Manchester services

* A further 30 minutes reduction in London - Glasgow journey times, so that travelling time is around 4 hours 30 minutes.

* London - Liverpool services will be 20 minutes faster than today and there with extra peak time services

* Hourly services all day between London - Liverpool; London - Preston and London - Chester

* Improvement in weekend services

The agreement also transfers services between Birmingham - Scotland currently operated by Virgin Cross Country to Virgin West Coast from 11 November 2007. An enhanced timetable will also be put in place on these routes from December 2008 and journey times between Birmingham and Glasgow and Edinburgh via the West Coast line will be 4 hours.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"The letter agreement ensured passenger services could continue whilst the West Coast Mainline modernisation was rescued.

"Now the project is on track it makes sense to reinstate the franchise agreement. Many passengers are already benefiting from the increase in services, improved reliability and faster journeys.

"But this provides the opportunity to put even more services in the December 2008 timetable within the contract, and strike a better value deal for the taxpayer."

Further capacity enhancements are being examined as part of the development of the High Level Output Specification and longer term framework for the railways which will be announced next summer.

Secure for the entire journey

Concern for personal security is not necessarily confined to the time spent on board the train or bus - people often report this is the safest part of their journey. Instead, it might be the apprehension felt whilst waiting on the platform or bus stop, the environment that surrounds a station or reservations about hiring an unlicensed taxi or minicab.

And neither is it just the fear of direct personal assault. It is also the discomfort and intimidation felt when witnessing anti-social behavior, criminal damage and graffiti.

That is why for both the government and transport operators alike, the safety and security of passengers and staff is an important concern. As a result, the Department for Transport has taken a prominent role in encouraging investment and initiatives that improve transport facilities and their environments in order to reduce actual instances of crime and alleviate people's anxiety.

Think before you buy a mini moto for Christmas

The Government and the National Governing Body of motorcycle sport in the Country, the Auto-Cycle Union are calling on parents considering buying a mini motorbike for Christmas for their child to stop and think before they buy.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) want parents to think about the consequences of what might appear to be exciting presents but in reality is often a bigger danger than expected.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister and himself a keen motorcyclist warns:

"These bikes may be thought of as 'toys', but they are not. They are fully-fledged motor vehicles; some are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 40mph. While some versions are well made, others, which may seem good value for money, are poor quality and require a high level of maintenance to be kept in a safe condition.

"The vast majority of these machines cannot and must not be used on the roads or in public areas. While they can be a great deal of fun if used sensibly, irresponsible use can and has had fatal consequences. And don't forget if you break the law, they will be seized by the police and crushed."

It is important that parents remember that these bikes are only for use on private property and with the permission of the landowner. Housing estates, footpaths, parks and playing fields are not to be used and anyone caught using a mini bike in these areas risk having their machine confiscated and receiving a fine.

If you do want to get a mini-motorbike for your child, look for a properly-supervised off-road area where he or she can be trained to ride in safety. Make sure that riders wear appropriate clothing and a helmet. Remember too that the bike must be transported (whether in a trailer, van or car boot) to that supervised area.

The ACU believe that if used in a safe and legal environment they can provide hours of entertainment, and a valuable learning experience. Guidelines are provided by the ACU for Local Authorities to create mini bike clubs and provide training so that a child can have fun and learn useful skills in a safe and secure environment.

Dave Luscombe, Head of ACU's Local Authority Support Unit (LASU) said:

"LASU are working with many Authorities across the Country in providing legal areas for owners of minimoto's and off road motorcycles. These areas in which clubs/projects are now up and running have seen a 90% reduction in the number of complaints of illicit/illegal riding."

Rev and Go, based in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire is a good example of how local clubs can encourage the use of mini motorbikes in a legal environment and train children and young people to use them responsibly and safely.

The group is the brainchild of, Daniel Hegarty who says:

"My interest in motorbikes began from a very young age. When I was twelve I realised that I got a buzz from riding motorbikes like many other lads my age. I knew that I wanted to make a career out of riding motorbikes but to me it was only a dream. My passion for riding mini-moto's meant that on occasions I had the chance to ride them illegally around the streets without all the right safety gear.

"This was something I didn't want my friends and I to have to choose. I took the decision, with help from supporters, to start a club to ride off road and legally. It was hard work but it was the best thing that I ever did. It opened up opportunities that riding illegally would have prevented. If I had gone down the dodgy road then I wouldn't be on my way to better things like I am now. I have come from being a noisy kid in the field to competing with the big boys in the British Superstock Championships; a dream which if I'd made the wrong choice would never have come true."

Craig Carey-Clinch from the Motor Cycle Industry Association said:

"MCI endorses this DfT initiative. Mini-bikes and other motorcycles for use on private property are not 'toys' but motor vehicles, where use demands observance of user legal responsibilities. This means only riding on private land with the landowner's express permission. MCI strongly supports properly organised off road riding areas as a way of engaging young people and allowing a motorcycling experience in a structured environment. Young people should become involved with this and find out more about the exciting off road motorcycle sport opportunities which can lead from becoming involved in a safe and legal way."

Focus on freight: 2006 edition

The third edition of Focus on Freight is published today.

The 'Focus' series are occasional statistical publications produced to take an in-depth look at particular areas of transport. Focus on Freight is designed to bring together previously published information about the freight and logistics industry in Great Britain and highlight some of the key issues in chart form.

Focus on Freight presents an overview and analysis of trends (in most cases) over the ten years to 2005, with a longer perspective for some series where this is helpful. Some of the significant features highlighted in the report are

* The economy continues to be less freight intensive. Apart from a brief period in the late 1970s, freight transport has grown more slowly than GDP.

* The movement of goods is dominated by road transport. In 2005, road accounted for 64 per cent of tonnes moved and 82 per cent of tonnes lifted in Great Britain.

* Despite the dominance of road freight, lorry traffic is increasing more slowly than GDP.

* Rail has increased its share of goods moved in recent years, and is still the major mode for the movement of coal and coke. Water continues to dominate the movement of petroleum products.

* The stock of heavy goods vehicles increased by 6 per cent between 1995 and 2005, with a further shift to articulated vehicles.

* According to the Labour Force Survey, there are just over 300 thousand heavy goods vehicle drivers in Great Britain.

* French and Dutch lorries account for the majority of cabotage carried out in the UK. The UK cabotage penetration rate is 0.4 per cent.

* Sea continues to be the dominant mode for UK international trade. Freight traffic through the Channel Tunnel has expanded rapidly since it opened in May 1994, although with some levelling off in recent years. Although increasing by 40 per cent since 1995, the volume of freight handled at UK airports is relatively small. It does however have a high value.

* The number of goods vehicles travelling between the UK and mainland Europe has more than doubled since 1995. Most of this increase is due to foreign registered vehicles.

* Heavy goods vehicles consume about one sixth of all tonnes of oil equivalent consumed by transport.

* CO2 emissions of both HGVs and vans have been growing: over the period 1994 to 2004 by 19 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.

* While still a problem, the number of deaths in accidents involving heavy goods vehicles fell from 597 in 1995 to 486 in 2005 despite increasing traffic. Over the same period the number of people killed or seriously injured in these accidents fell by 37 per cent.

* Speeding also continues to be a problem, particularly in urban areas with a 30 mph limit, and on non-urban single carriageway roads.

* Taken over the whole 24 hour period, on average goods vehicles typically spend around 20 to 40 per cent of their time running on the road and around 20 to 50 per cent idle (empty and stationary).

* According to the experimental Corporate Services Price Index produced by the Office for National Statistics road freight transport prices rose by a third between 1996 and 2005, whilst rail prices, after falling, had nearly returned to their 1995 level by 2005, and prices for moving freight by sea and coastal services have been falling.

Rural and Community Transport

Community Transport is the provision of non-profit making transport for members of the community who do not have suitable conventional public transport services available for their travel needs. This is a problem experienced by some rural parishes within the County, but it is also because some residents find that they are physically unable to use the bus service on offer.

Community Transport tackles this problem by involving local people in the identification of transport needs within their community, and devising solutions. Devon County Council actively promotes this process by forming partnerships to organize, develop and run these alternative transport schemes to best serve the community needs.

Rural and Community Transport

Community Transport is the provision of non-profit making transport for members of the community who do not have suitable conventional public transport services available for their travel needs. This is a problem experienced by some rural parishes within the County, but it is also because some residents find that they are physically unable to use the bus service on offer.

Community Transport tackles this problem by involving local people in the identification of transport needs within their community, and devising solutions. Devon County Council actively promotes this process by forming partnerships to organize, develop and run these alternative transport schemes to best serve the community needs.

Tough new penalties for illegal mobile phone use from 27 February 2007

Motorists face tough new penalties for breaking the law by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving from February 27 2007, Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today. From that date, the fixed penalty will for the first time include the award of three penalty points as well as doubling the fine to £60.

Mr Alexander said:

"Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two things at once and do them well. That is why in December 2003 we introduced new laws preventing motorists from driving while using a hand-held mobile.

"We have seen a groundswell of support for this move. But, worryingly, while 92% of people agree with the law, 21% of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from 27 February, the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty of three points on your licence as well as a £60 fine."

A campaign to raise awareness of the new fixed penalty begins today and will include radio, press and online activity raising awareness of both the change in penalties and the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This educational approach goes hand in hand with continued enforcement activity by the police. Home Office figures for 2004 show that nearly 74,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.

DfT continues to work closely with private partners, including the mobile phone industry, to ensure mobile phone users are made aware of the changes and how it affects them.