IF THE government was really concerned with our well-being it would double or treble taxes on tobacco and alcohol and even food, now that obesity is such a big killer.
But it won't. That would kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
But I have a feeling that the same will not apply to the use of LPG as an alternative fuel.
At around 38p per litre this environmentally friendly fuel is becoming increasingly popular. And if too many of us switch to bi-fuel cars, such as Volvo's brilliant S60 LPG, Gordon Brown's coffers will start to empty and he will be forced to abandon Tony Blair's green policies and jack up the taxes on gas to petrol and diesel level.
It's a pity, because I think most drivers would be quite happy to run cars on LPG. The difference in performance is negligible and the cost of motoring would dramatically reduce.
At 38p per litre, gas is about half the price of petrol and diesel and, even accounting for the slightly increased fuel consumption, it adds up to substantial savings in a year.
Admittedly there have been worries of late of the dangers of LPG conversions carried out by some unqualified firms. But the majority of approved firms do a safe conversion. And if you have any lingering doubts, the safest bet of all is the factory-built, bi-fuel motor like Volvo's S60.
This isn't a conversion, its built from scratch to the highest safety standards to take both petrol and LPG with a neat package which doesn't cut down on its load carrying ability.
The S60 SE I tested still had excellent handling and ride which were unaffected by the LPG element.
A simple fascia switch allows the driver to move between petrol and gas with no perception of the change-over. Two fuel tanks, tucked neatly under the boot, are used, giving the same amount of load space as a standard S60. The larger tank (50 litres) is for gas and the smaller (23 litres) for petrol.
Most drivers will switch to petrol only when the LPG tank is getting low. And don't worry about finding LPG or condensed natural gas (CNG), they are available at more than 1,200 filling stations around the UK now.
If you are intending to travel a lot in Europe there are 10,000 LPG outlets and the number is increasing every week. And don't forget, there's also the petrol tank to prevent you getting stranded.
Leaving the fuel debate aside, the S60 in itself is built to Volvo's usual immaculate standard and with sporty looks.It's easy to drive and a relaxing car to travel in on a long journey.
The SE version is loaded with good standard kit including twin airbags, power steering, remote locking, anti-lock brakes, traction control, air conditioning, CD player, computerised information centre, heated electric windows and mirrors and cruise control.
But if you want to turn on the gas, do so before the government decides to increase the tax on cheaper and environmentally friendlier motoring.
FAST FACTS Volvo S60 SE Bifuel LPG
Price: £22,620
Mechanical: 140bhp, 2.4litre 5cyl engine driving front wheels via 5spd gearbox.
Max Speed: 127mph
0-60mph: 11.2secs
Combined mpg: 32.1 mpg petrol, 24.8 mpg LPG
Insurance Group: 13
CO2 emissions: 209 g/km (LPG)
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 8yrs antirust, 3yrs paint