The AA has launched its own Motorists Manifesto in the run up to the general election, and has set up a simultaneous #Vote4BetterRoads digital campaign in order to urge politicians to do more for UK motorists. During the last 12 months, the AA has been surveying British motorists in order to find out the major issues affecting them, with tax the major issue of late. UK motorists currently pay more in fuel duty alone than UK businesses pay in business rates, and nearly as much as is paid out in council tax. Of the £582.6 billion raised in UK taxes during the last financial year, almost 10 per cent came from motorists. The AA argument is that roads are still suffering from issues such as potholes and deep puddles, as well as hiked parking permits and strict fines from minor parking and traffic infringements. As such, many motorists don't feel they are being treated in accordance with the amount of tax they pay. Edmund King, president, AA, said: 'Thirty five million drivers, most with a vote, need to influence politicians in this election. We know that transport issues can influence votes locally. Several local councils have been unseated due to unpopular parking polices, so when those canvassers knock on your doors make sure you ask them about motoring matters. 'We will endeavour to do our bit by sounding out all the main political parties on their motoring and transport polices, reminding them that motorists can vote with their wheels. 'The AA does have influence; prior to the last election we were instrumental in getting two out of the three main political parties to pledge to outlaw rogue wheel clamping on private land. The good news is, after further pressure from the AA, this was subsequently achieved. 'There is always a fear that the motorist will be made the 'cash cow' once the election is over, when political parties feel they can quietly drop manifesto promises. Rest assured, the AA will be putting pressure on the parties to come clean on plans for fuel duty, vehicle excise duty (VED), company car tax and the use of tolls to pay for new and/or improved roads. Indeed, our research found 85 per cent of AA Members are concerned that motoring taxes will increase after the election. 'The vast majority of AA members (93 per cent) wouldn't trust any government to deliver a fair system of tolls. Hence we will continue to oppose tolls and believe (as in Scotland) tolls should be dropped from key river crossings. 'We know that in the past motorists have been influential in elections. It was believed that votes from 'Mondeo Man' helped Tony Blair to victory in 1997. The AA is apolitical and we understand that elections are not won or lost on motoring issues alone. Health, education and the economy tend to sway the results. However, transport and motoring are key to economic growth in the UK and shouldn't be side-lined.î