A LEADING figure in the fleet industry has accused the Government of 'fleecing' UK businesses and motorists and using them as a 'cash cow'.

Nick Brown launched the savage attack as Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown prepares his April 9 Budget statement, which is expected to include traditional rises in motoring taxes.

Brown, managing director of leasing firm Black-i, called for a tax freeze and added: 'I believe there is a vendetta being waged against both business and private motorists – a vendetta waged in the knowledge that the car equals freedom and no other form of transport can compete.'

Brown, who has more than 30 years' experience in the leasing industry, and has previously developed and launched leasing companies for Trimoco, Hartwell and latterly the Lloyds TSB Group, said next month's increases in National Insurance contributions from companies and their employees will boost Treasury coffers by tens of millions of pounds.

He accused the Government of washing its hands of responsibility for road management, in particular the introduction of unpopular congestion charges. 'With more cities planning to introduce congestion charging and others looking at charging for work place parking, motoring taxes, however they are disguised, will only rise,' Brown said.