MORE-SECURE driving licences are on the way to combat criminal fraudsters. The new ones, which are due to arrive today, will feature extra security features to make forgery and counterfeiting far more difficult.

But the improvements come at a cost, with the price of a 10-year licence jumping from £26.50 to £40 to cover the expense of producing the new ones.

Changes of name or address and first full licences remain free, but all other charges are increased.

Environment said the increase was ‘in line with States-agreed policy directing all departments to review fees and charges’.

It added that the new charges were comparable to those in the UK and Jersey.

The new licences will keep the image of the Guernsey flag and also incorporate an outline map of the island and the coat of arms within the security laminate.

In addition, they will conform to the latest EU standards by containing the words ‘driving licence’ in micro-text, thereby avoiding confusion when driving abroad.

They will also include historical driving data, which will prove useful when hiring a car in a country that requires proof of experience.

The cards themselves will also be more durable, as the existing plastic ones will be replaced by polycarbonate material when they expire or a new one is required.

The department made the changes as it was replacing its computerised licensing system and printing equipment.

Minister David De Lisle said the process had taken a year of preparation at a time when the department was implementing changes for the abolition of motor tax at the end of the year.

‘I’m delighted that staff have been able to bring about this much needed update of the driving licence system in a timely fashion,’ he said.