CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer Gordon Brown has been warned that overall levels of transport taxation is 'a major concern' and warned against imposing new charges as he puts the finishing touches to his March 9 Budget. The warning comes from Retail Motor Industry Federation chief executive Christopher Macgowan in the organisation's Budget submission letter to the Chancellor.

In the letter Macgowan says: 'While business is willing to consider particular new charges such as local road tolls, subject to conditions, the overall level of transport taxation is a major concern.' While Macgowan particularly focuses on duties on diesel and vehicle excise duty for lorries he also calls for money raised from local road tolls should be 'spent effectively' on transport improvements; an end to the annual petrol and diesel duty escalator - currently running at 6% in real terms.