The government's proposal to tax vehicles per mile dependent on the type of road they travel will result in vast numbers of vehicles leaving the main arteries to avoid paying the exessive charges. Guided by satalite navigation systems that will automatically pick the cheapest route, this will result in a huge increase in traffic through villages and along less-safe rural roads that were not designed for high volumes. Forget building houses on greenbelt; this is by far the biggest threat to our rural environment.

Add your voice to the one million* who have already protested against this ridiculous plan here: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/traveltax/.

The deadline to sign up by is 20 February 2007.

It's accepted that some commercial vehicles have to pass through our lanes, especially those carrying essential supplies (Greene King Brewery truck)! but as I walked along the road just south of Baughurst House I came across a number of tree branches that had fallen into the road. As I (and Amber, our Airedale Terrier) started the clear the debris from the road I heard a truck trundling toward us from around the bend.

Getting the inclination that the truck seems to be travelling a little fast, I said to Amber: "Time to get out the way." A sudden screech of brakes and the truck came to a sharp stop. I carry on trying to move the branches. The truck mounts the grass verge and the driver and his assistant look at me as if I'm some sort of 'do-gooder'.

If I wanted to extend the residential curtlage of my property, would I have to apply for planning permission? Of course I would. And quite rightly too. Planning applications give an opportunity for interested parties to express any concerns and for the applicant to consider the impact of the application may have on their neighbours.

What would be the likelyhood of success when applying to extend my boundary into the countryside? I'd hazard a guess it would be less than zero. Not a chance.

So why do Hampshire Highways have, what appears to be, free reign to extend the boundaries of the roads? Without planning permission. Without consultation. Without any assesment of the impact on the environment. Without any consideration for the safety of residents.