Leap Year Brings 53 Million Fuel Tax Windfall

The Government will take an extra 53 million in tax from the sale of an additional 92 million litres of petrol and diesel in 2004 because its a Leap Year, says The AA Motoring Trust.

Up to four million drivers fill up with fuel every day, each putting an average of 23 litres in the tank. The extra day on 29 February will mean around 71 million more will be spent on fuel than in 2003, with the Chancellor taking 75 per cent of it in tax.

Research carried out by The AA Motoring Trust shows that Sunday will be more than just another day for drivers in other ways, too. It will mean an extra:

• 10 people killed in road accidents;
• 100 seriously injured on UK roads;
• 270 drivers failing a roadside breath test;
• 330 drivers filling up with the wrong fuel;
• 1,000 motorists losing their keys or locking them in the car;
• 2,700 cars stolen or broken into;
• 4,000 parking tickets issued;
• 5,100 flat or faulty car batteries;
• 6,500 new car sales;
• 8,000 speeding motorists caught on camera;
• 18,000 used-car purchases;
• 22,000 people going abroad by car;
• 30,000 car breakdowns; and
• 40,000 driving lessons.

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