DRIVERS will not be 'crowbarred' out of their cars until there are safe, reliable and economic alternatives to cars. And, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation's submission on the Government's integrated transport policy document, once alternatives are in place the need to introduce restraints on the use of cars will be minimal.

The RMI also calls for the entire £28 billion raised annually through motoring taxes to be spent on transport instead of the 25% at present. 'It will be far easier to convince motorists of the value of change to our transport infrastructure if the money raised is directed to transport and environmental policies. Motorists are voters and at present they see very little return from the transport taxes they pay,' said RMI chief executive Christopher Macgowan.

The RMI also warned the Government against attempting to tax motorists off the road and against an increase in the overall tax burden on business. It also warned the Government that undue and unjust criticism of cars would promote a climate of uncertainty and opposition which could damage competitiveness and investment levels in the motor industry.