Filling up the Treasury tank

That cost has, however, now reached disgraceful proportions. The level of taxation imposed on fuel that we reveal today is little short of punitive and demands action. That British businesses and drivers should be paying more at the pumps than in any other EU country when the cost price is among the cheapest is grossly unfair.

The economic fortunes of this region run on its roads. In order to survive, businesses must be able to afford to transport their goods and services by road. They do not have a choice in the matter, and massive taxation of fuel places undue pressure on them at a time when all are keeping the closest possible control over costs in order to survive.

It cannot be over-emphasised that the economy remains fragile and many firms cannot be certain of survival. It is not overstating the risks that face them to point out that the cost of filling the tanks of their fleets could be the factor that pushes them over the edge, with serious consequences for both the regional economy and their workforces.

Nor should it be forgotten that there is a direct link between the fate of rural communities and the cost of petrol or diesel. Those who live and work in the countryside also have no choice about using their own transport; a lack of other options makes it a necessity, and if it becomes unaffordable, businesses will go to the wall and the social cohesion of what are often hard-pressed communities will suffer.

David Cameron came to office offering to help motorists weather unpredictable increases in the wholesale price of fuel. He has yet to make good on that pledge. However, the level of taxation imposed is another issue altogether, and the MPs pressing for action have hard-headed economic considerations as well as common sense on their side. It is high time that motorists were freed of the relentlessly increasing obligation to top up the Treasury’s coffers every time they fill their tanks.