24 MARCH 1944, Page 13

MOTOR TRANSPORT AND ROAD COSTS

SIR,—my attention has been drawn to a statement in the editorial columns of The Spectator for March loth, where it is said that the contribution of road transport to road costs has been so inadequate as to constitute a subsidy in its favour.

I am unable to reconcile this statement with the fact that in the year 1933, and all subsequent years for which figures are available, motor taxation—that is to say, both fuel taxes and licence duties—exceeded road expenditure. The figures for the year ended March, 1938, are Motor taxation £79,049,000 Road expenditure £64,700,000 Would it not be correct to describe the excess of motor taxation over road expenditure as a penalty imposed on all motor users?—I am, Sir, [The context made it quite clear that we were referring to the road- haulage industry—not to transport by private motor-cars. The wear- and-tear on the roads from heavy vehicles is far greater than that from private cars.—En., The Spectator.]