Drivers doubt Government intentions

A total of 1,013 adults were asked if they felt the Government was for or against the motorist in a survey by breakdown company Autonational Rescue.

Only 12 per cent said the Government was for the motorist, with 46 per cent reckoning the Government was against, and 38 per cent believing Ministers were neither for nor against.

Former transport secretary Philip Hammond declared an end to the “war on motorists” when the coalition took power in May 2010 but road users have since been subject to record-high petrol prices and increasing motoring taxes.

The survey also found that 77 per cent believed all male and female motorists should pay the same car insurance rates.

A total of 45 per cent said gender should be ignored and a new system introduced based on age and driving experience. A European Court of Justice ruling in 2011 said insurers should not be able to base premiums simply on gender.