THE unrelenting attack and, some would say, robbery on the motorist goes on.

The fallacy that if the government reduced the tax on petrol by 2p per litre, the walls of the health service would come tumbling down, or transport policies would be affected, is just a cop out, for what the motorists know already that they are easy targets for the taxman.

You don't have to be a mastermind to add up the cost of the burden -- VAT on vehicle, 17.5 per cent; new vehicle registration fee, £25; vehicle excise duty, £150 or £100; insurance premium tax, four per cent and, of course, the bone of contention -- 72 per cent tax on the price of petrol. What does the government want -- blood?

They may play the green, anti-pollution card for all it is worth, but do the Blairs not have two cars? And don't forget Two Jags John Prescott.

I am sure the government spin doctors know of the general feeling and with the general election not too far away, common sense should tell them it is time to lay off the motorist.

K SOWERBUTTS (Mr), Southwood Drive, Baxenden.