This government is seriously underestimating the totally exasperated and angry mood of the Maltese motorist. It has left our roads in an abysmal state, continuing the trend of all governments since independence. The motorist expects by right that all roads in Malta should be decent, and that he should be able to drive on them in safety and comfort and without damaging his vehicle.

The few roads that have been done up with foreign help only serve to show what the vast majority of the other roads should be like. The motorist cannot wait for another 20 or 30 years for all the remaining roads to be dug up from the foundation. He expects at least all major roads to be given a decent surface in a very short time. He also expects the government to put a definite stop to road repair contractors being paid for work which is not to acceptable European standards.

Maltese motorists' cars remain among the costliest in Europe, despite the recent changes to the vehicle registration fees. It is obvious that the government did the minimum possible to comply with EU laws, and has no intention of relinquishing the vast income it derives from the sale of cars. Conversely, it continues to fail miserably in providing decent public transport, thus compelling a large number of people to become car owners, or at least to use their cars much more extensively.

Unrealistic speed limits, backed by high revenue yielding cameras, are introduced. Road obstacles mushroom everywhere. All this is done in the name of increased safety. Yet the greatest road safety measure, which is the provision of good roads, continues to be denied to the Maltese motorist.

Now, the Maltese motorist is faced with the question of VAT on registration tax. The government keeps saying that this tax after April 2004 was legal. The EU has cast serious doubts on this. The opposition has snatched at the opportunity to champion the Maltese motorist.

Does the government not realise to what extent it is jeopardising the chances of its MEP candidates in next June's elections?

Is it not aware that there are near enough 300,000 Maltese motorists?