The Department for Transport will shortly publish no fewer than eight draft regulations covering the Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposit Schemes likely to come into force in April 2009. These are the detailed provisions which will detail how police/ VOSA will carry out the new procedures for both UK and foreign drivers operating within the UK. VOSA will for the fist time have powers to issue fixed penalties and endorse driving licences. Drivers without satisfactory UK addresses will be required to pay roadside deposits failing which their vehicles may be immobilised pending payment. The draft regulations will be accompanied by a new consultation period for the road transport sector which is likely to continue until around mid-October 2008. Tim Ridyard, Solicitor, Barker Gotelee Solicitors, Martlesham Heath Ipswich tim.ridyard@barkergotelee.co.uk

As anticipated the DfT has today published the next consultation document on graduated fixed penalty, financial deposit and immobilisation schemes, together with 8 draft statutory instruments to introduce the schemes. The consultation will run until 17 October 2008. More details and comment to follow in due course. Please see previous blog entries for further comment.

Tim Ridyard, Solicitor, Barker Gotelee (Tel 01473 611211)