The Labour government is being urged to make transport a high priority in its new term in office.

David Evans, chief executive of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), said: “We now urge the Labour Government to address some of the key issues pertinent to the retail motor industry.”

There are a commitment to support the retail motor industry in its campaign for a prolongation of the current EU Block Exemption Regulation for motor vehicles, stable tax strategy for the motor industry, development of the promised integrated transport policy, a consistent fuel tax strategy and address the requirement for skills and training within the industry.

Mr Evans said: “Now is the time to get moving on these issues.

“We look forward to working with the new Government and hope to meet with the relevant ministers in the very near future.”

One of the key changes in Tony Blair's post-election cabinet is the appointment of former trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers who now has responsibility for transport and the regions. Patricia Hewitt becomes trade and industry secretary.