The government is planning an increase in fuel tax later this year as part of its strategy to meet carbon emissions targets. Yet motorists and road transport companies have suffered crippling price rises of up to 30% in petrol and diesel bills in the past year because of fuel taxes. The government has enjoyed a £505 million windfall from high oil prices in the last six months alone, with extra revenue coming from North Sea oil reserves. A further increase in fuel tax will impact on all UK households because it will eventually push up the price of shop goods and inflation. So the government must abandon its planned tax increase.