Michael Howard, the leader of the Conservative Party, claims there is a war being waged on the motorist.

Using a visit to the Sunday Times Motor Show Live at the Birmingham NEC yesterday to attack the Government, Mr Howard said: “This government has waged war on the motorist for many years.

“We see it in their attitude to speed cameras, which are used to raise money rather than for safety. There's no doubt that the government have got it in for the motorist,” says Howard.

Commenting on Ford's claim that the cost of European legislation could add Euros €5,000 (£3,335) to the cost of a new car by 2008, Howard says: “Too many rules and regulations come out from Brussels, many without proper justification. The consequence is that British business becomes less competitive.”