THE Government is sharpening its scissors to cut some of the miles of red tape that is tying British motorists up in knots. The move, announced by Transport Secretary Justine Greening aims to get rid of unnecessary, burdensome and overcomplicated regulation. For instance, the regulation requiring motorists to hold a paper counterpart to their driving licence will be scrapped by by 2015 - saving up to £8 million. Also to go is the regulation surrounding the notification process for vehicles that are not in use on the road (Statutory Off Road Notification or SORN). Once drivers have notified the DVLA that their vehicle is SORN, they will no longer have the burden of annual SORN renewal. The Government also intend to only issue hard-copies of V5C vehicle registration certificates for fleet operators when needed, with the potential to be rolled out to private motorists. There will also be a limited exemption from drivers' hours rules so that those who also drive as Territorial Army reservists in their own time can continue to do so. It all follows a vigorous process of challenge, both by the public and within Whitehall, and a total of 142 road transport regulations will now be scrapped or improved. Justine Greening believes that motorists shouldn't have to keep numerous bits of paper just to prove they can drive and have bought insurance – saying that we live in digital age and we need to embrace that. Reducing the number of rules and regulations in our life can remove barriers to economic growth and increase individual freedoms. This early spring clean has to be applauded. | 
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