Fuel tax is likely to rise by about 3.5c per litre over the next two years to help fund hundreds of millions in additional government spending on "roads of national significance" such as the Puhoi to Welsford highway.

A planned fuel tax increase has been postponed by the Government because of "tight" economic conditions and the cost of the Christchurch earthquake recovery. Transport Minister Stephen Joyce announced today the increase had been deferred.

A senior police officer has condemned colleagues for using their cellphones while driving, saying it is a joke to go out and enforce the law when officers appear to be readily flouting it. Another officer has been caught on camera talking

A "zero-tolerance" policy will fine teenage drivers $200 and 50 demerit points if they have any alcohol at all in their system.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce is the latest MP to admit having criminal convictions.

Police have been cleared of any wrongdoing over the death of a 22-year-old motorcyclist after a pursuit last year, the IPCA has found.