Fuel duty frozen

Drivers could save 144 a year, after the Chancellor revealed a freeze on fuel duty.

Duty paid on fuel had been set to rise by 3p per litre in January 2012, with a further increase of 5p planned for August 2012. However, George Osborne shelved the tax hikes, saying he recognised that such increases 'would be tough for working families at a time like this'.

Instead, Januarys duty increase has been deferred to August 2012, while the rise planned for that month has been cancelled.

'Families will save 144 on filling up the average family car by the end of next year,' said Mr Osborne.

Roads get cash boost
British roads are to get a 1 billion overhaul. Investment in the national road network, will include:
• 270 million to allow the use of the hard shoulder on the M3 and M6 motorways at times of congestion
• 150 million for improvements to the M1/M6 intersection
• 110 million for the A14 Kettering Bypass
• 160 million for widening the A453
• 110 million for the A45/46 Tollbar End improvement scheme

Drivers in London should also expect improved journey times from north to south of the capital, after the Chancellor committed to building a new crossing in South East London.