North Carolina's Gov. Mike Easley recently announced he is creating a transition team to oversee the merger of the Department of Motor Vehicle enforcement section to the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, the same agency that oversees the Highway Patrol.

The move comes after the launch of a state/federal investigation into allegations against the DMV of ticket-fixing, bribe-taking, political donations and favoritism toward some western North Carolina trucking companies in enforcement of trucking laws.

"It is clear that the consolidation of DMV's enforcement section with the department makes practical and financial sense," Easley said in a released statement. "By housing the two law enforcement agencies responsible for our highways in one agency, we can reduce and improve the command structure. The bottom line is more professional and efficient regulation of our state's roads and safer highways."

The governor said the consolidation would save the state at least $4 million. No mention was made of the ongoing investigation of DMV personnel.