Deputy Roderick Matthews placed an amendment to the 2004 Budget calling for the annual motor tax renewals to be abolished.

He said it would be far better to have a tax on fuel, meaning people would only pay when they use their cars.

He said: "Most people want to see this change, but if anyone doubts that, just look at the survey of the traffic committee.

"There were 2,604 people in favour of abolishing the tax, with only 1,123 against."

This final amendment to the budget was discussed prior to the debate on the budget itself.