Politicians from all parties have hit the campaign trail ahead of the common election in Could, generating promises on the NHS, the economy and the family members.
But what about the motorist?
Sadly, no politician appears keen to woo the motorist vote, even although the typical automobile owner pays more than their fair share of taxes.
In fact, of the £582.6 billion raised in UK taxes final financial year, virtually 10% came from motorists.
Duty calls
UK voters with cars and other cars spend £26.9 billion in fuel duty alone, according to the AA.
That’s more than UK companies pay in company rates (£26.8 billion) and practically the very same amount as the government collects in council tax (£27.5 billion).
Motorists stump up a further £6.1 billion in vehicle excise duties, and £25 billion from VAT on fuel and auto sales, organization auto tax and insurance coverage premium tax.
Let’s not forget the numerous hidden ‘taxes’, such as penalties for minor visitors and parking infringements. They have to add up to quite a pretty penny.
Exchequer mate
You’d think the generous contribution to the chancellor’s coffers would win motorists some support in Westminster.
But no. Today’s drivers have to put up with potholes, puddles and parking permits. They usually have to drive in the dark, as well, with many roads now blacked out right after midnight.
In a recent AA survey, the state of the roads in basic – and potholes in distinct – came out as the number 1 concern for drivers.
It is no wonder. Professionals reckon potholes trigger up to one particular in 10 mechanical failures, costing motorists an estimated £730 million a year.
Potholes and poorly maintained roads are also a threat to road safety, especially if you ride on 2 wheels rather than 4.
Price analysis
The price of motoring is also higher on the list of worries.
Petrol rates may well have come down in recent months, but numerous motorists are suspicious of the big oil organizations and would like to see higher transparency over costs at the pump.
The abolition of tolls in England and Wales would also be a vote winner.
Edmund King, president of the AA, says: “We will continue to oppose tolls and believe tolls should be dropped from essential river crossings, as they are in Scotland.”
Driving negative
Then there’s undesirable driving. Motorists are increasingly aggravated by poor driving requirements.
They would as a result like to see much more cops in cars to target unsafe behaviour such as tailgating and use of mobiles at the wheel.
There is also a contact for better road safety education within the national curriculum from an early age.
But do Britain’s 35 million motorists have any political influence? Well, votes from Mondeo man helped to propel Tony Blair to power in 1997.
A lot more lately, the AA successfully campaigned to outlaw rogue wheel clamping on private land.
King’s speech
But the AA is realistic. King says: “The AA is apolitical and we comprehend that elections are not won or lost on motoring troubles alone. Health, education and the economy have a tendency to sway the results.
“However, transport and motoring are key to economic development in the UK and shouldn’t be side-lined.”
The AA is calling on political parties to commit to 5 Cs:
- Condition: get rid of potholes, ring-fence funding, enhance parking
- Congestion: eliminate bottlenecks, enhance bypasses and capacity
- Casualties: get rid of hazardous junctions, boost education
- Co-operation: eliminate conflict, boost driver behavior
- Price: take away unfair tolls, increase fuel price tag transparency.
Drivers can show their help on twitter with #Vote4BetterRoads.
They can also query prospective parliamentary candidates on their plans to aid drivers, assuming they handle to keep away from the potholes on the campaign trail.
Image: Voting by redjar is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.
Will motoring matters influence how you vote?
