CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer Gordon Brown has been attacked over the level of taxation imposed on fleets and other motorists after latest figures revealed motoring taxes alone could almost pay for the entire National Health Service.

New estimates from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal the Treasury netted £5.5 billion in VAT from 2.5 million new car sales during last year and £22 billion in fuel duty.

Combined with other motoring taxes, including company car tax, Treasury coffers were swelled by £41 billion through motoring.

The UK is now the second biggest new car market in Europe, behind Germany and income has been boosted by the record new car sales and the increasing price of fuel.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: 'Gordon Brown can look forward to another sackload of cash, courtesy of the motor industry and motorists.

Whether you are in business making parts and vehicles, or if you are a trucker, private motorist or car buyer, you can be sure that 2003 will be another year of giving to Number 11 Downing Street.'