UK motoring body calls for positive Budget

An organisation which promotes the interests of the UK's motor industry has called for stability in next month's Budget.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said new car registrations in February fell by 7.7 per cent year-on-year to 63,424. But while the figure was down on 2010, the body said the total number of registrations was higher than expected and a significant improvement on 2009.  

UK dealerships will be pinning their hopes on the new 11 registration plate, released this month, to boost sales, but also want the government to deliver a budget that will help their cause and encourage motorists to conduct a car review.

In a statement, Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "This month's Budget will be critical in determining consumer and business confidence and the ongoing stability of the market.

"We are looking for certainty on motoring taxes, a freeze on fuel duty, and measures that support business investment and access to finance and credit."

Chancellor George Osborne has already promised to do everything he can to help motorists, which may result in a cut in fuel duty. Petrol prices in some parts of the UK have hit £1.41 a litre, with diesel at £1.45.