MOTORISTS should not have to pay higher taxes in the next state budget after bearing the brunt of increases last time around, according to Tasmania's largest membership group.
The RACT is demanding a freeze on all taxes and duties that relate to owning or operating a vehicle on behalf of its 190,000 members.
In the RACT's budget submission, communications and marketing general manager Vince Taskunas argued that its members ``bore the brunt of a number of tax increases and budget cuts, directly and indirectly, in the 2012-13 budget - and must not do so again this year''.
Last year, the state government increased motor taxes and duties, which equated to a $34 to $48 increase on registration for all vehicles under three tonnes.
In addition, the RACT is calling for:
--Money that was cut from the police budget to be reinstated so road safety doesn't suffer.
--An early commitment to spend $100 million under the Community Roads program with Esk Main Road among the projects considered a priority.
--Adding $5 million to the maintenance budget that it estimates falls short by $50 million.
--Fairer fuel price boards so it is easier for consumers to compare prices.
The submission also claims that road surface of the Midland Highway remains a huge concern for RACT members.
``It appears the `patching' repairs that are regularly undertaken make little difference and, in fact, may make the surface less safe,'' Mr Taskunas said.
Instead, the RACT suggests a $5 million trial to stabilise segments of the highway, and evaluate value for money.