Government plan to streamline operator licensing

The licensing system for operators of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles is  be streamlined and modernised saving some £15m a year.
The changes include:
* a single traffic commissioner for operators based in more than one traffic area
* a simplified fee structure with most licence fees being merged with the fee for annual roadworthiness tests
* a commitment to abolish windscreen discs after the roll-out of new enforcement technology.
Transport minister Stephen Ladyman said: “These proposals will reduce administrative burdens associated with licensing and build upon efficiency improvements already made by the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency.”