Motoring tax income has grown by £1 billion per year

The amount of revenue the government gains from tax on motorists has grown by £11.3 billion to £45.1 billion since 1997, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows.

• “40% of motorcycles untaxed”

The Society states in a report that the amount UK motorists pay in taxes more than covers the cost of their carbon emissions.

It calls for the cash raised in fuel taxes to be pumped into programs to improve the environment, rather than central government coffers.