The Chancellor will take a record amount in taxes from the UK motorist this year thanks to record new car sales, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

In 2000 the Government collected £40,823,408,000 in vehicle taxation of which £22,813,000,000 was fuel duty, according to HM Customs and Excise data. Record car sales in 2001 will push this figure even higher.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “The Chancellor gets a massive slice of his spending money from the motorist and it's a good time to remind him that we're not limitless cash cows. Any further changes to the taxation system must be carefully considered to avoid upsetting the delicate balance.” (December 20, 2001)