NORFOLK DRIVERS WARNED TO WATCH THEIR TAX DISKS - Norman Lamb MP uncovers renewal reminder problems at DVLA

Norfolk drivers are being warned to keep an eye on the expiry date of their tax disks after a number of Late License Penalties (LLPs) were issued to people who never received a renewal reminder from the DVLA.

The problem came to the attention of North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb after he heard of constituents receiving the £40 fines despite being unaware their tax discs had expired.

Commenting on LLPs issued in such circumstances, Norman Lamb said: "Most drivers wait for their reminder notice before renewing their car tax, so it is not surprising that some people have been caught out. The DVLA have a duty to make sure reminders are sent out, but vehicle owners would be well advised to keep an eye on the expiry date of their tax disc just in case."
Moss Taylor of Sheringham, who was hit by a £40 fine despite never receiving a DVLA reminder notice, said "It does seem unfair that fines should be imposed through no fault of my own."

After questioning the DVLA about their system of issuing renewal reminders via a Freedom of Information request, Norman Lamb also revealed that 115,000 vehicle records had been affected due to a "technical problem" incurred as a result of changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the 2005 budget. In all of these cases reminders were sent out only to those whose records had been updated throughout the year via an unrelated transaction.*

Mr Lamb has raised his concerns with the Liberal Democrat transport team who are investigating this particular issue.

Railway Stations of East Anglia

Innovative regional publishers Poppyland Publishing are already well-known for their creative integration of Internet, DVD video and books. For a small and regional publishing operation, the Poppyland Publishing web site is one of the most proactive in offering an intriguing and enjoyable exploration - as well as of course selling its books and DVDs.

Now Poppyland Publishing have added a new section to the site for general interest and the historical researcher or student at school. The East Anglian Databases unit, from a button on the left of the screen, opens up a new range of map based information on the region. The first database provided is Stations of East Anglia, enabling the local historian, the rambler, the researcher, to explore the development of the railway network in the region, to visit the sites today - and to contribute, in order to expand the range of pictures on the database.

Railways and railway history are enjoyed by many, and this database will be one more point of interest. The active tourist destinations of the North Norfolk Railway and the Mid Norfolk Railway, the uniqueness of the Southwold narrow gauge line, the quayside stations on the Essex and Suffolk coasts, are all part of our heritage and this World Wide Web based resource will add to understanding of Britain's industrial background.

The visitor to the Poppyland Publishing web site is already able to hear directly from some of the authors of their published titles in video clips on the screen. Suffolk Castles expert Peter Tryon introduces his book on that subject from Bungay Castle. Stephen Pope talks about his recent book on the Gressenhall workhouse from in front of the foreboding building. Mike and Bruce Robinson take you on a short walk along the Peddars Way and Coast Path and talk about how they came to write their two books on the Norfolk Long Distance Trail.

Trailers for the Poppyland DVDs are also available on the site. We're used to seeing such things from the major film companies, but now it's possible to visit the site and watch an extract from such a presentation at the recent production Great Yarmouth - History, Herrings, Holidays - and then to purchase it directly from the site, if you like what you see and hear.

North Norfolk Club for the Blind Trophy Presentations

At a recent meeting of the North Norfolk Bowls Club for the Blind at Rossi's Leisure Centre in North Walsham, special guest Dennis Lee President of the North Walsham Rotary Club presented the club's annual trophies. Helpers from Rossi's & the Rotary Club were thanked for their assistance throughout the past twelve months.

Pictured with President Dennis are Jean Lee (left), 'Bowler of the Year' & Adrian Shuter (right), 'The Most Improved Bowler of the Year'.