World News IN BRIEF *WASHINGTON Barack Obama has laid out an ambitious energy plan to end US dependence on foreign oil.

By Rad Sallee, Houston Chronicle Dec. 31--"What constitutes a 'median' in Texas?" asks Jody Janis, who says his wife, Debora, was ticketed for driving on the median before turning left off NASA Road 1.

MARYSVILLE, Wash. - A "confused" driver made two U-turns on Interstate 5, nearly causing two head-on crashes, then exited from the freeway before she could be stopped, state troopers said. "I'm amazed, I'm stunned we didn't have a fatal collision," Washington State Patrol Trooper Kirk H. Rudeen said.

By DARREN BOYLE TRANSPORT Minister Martin Cullen has done a U-turn on the introduction of speed cameras by installing them in the open for six months. Under the original plans, a private company was set to catch one motorist every 30 seconds by hiding behind bushes and motorway signs.

By BLUNDELL, Kay TWO more crashes blocking State Highway 1 near Paekakariki have renewed calls for a solution to the holdups. Centennial Highway was closed for about half an hour from 7.40pm on Thursday when four cars collided. A man suffered moderate neck injuries.