RUNCORN 4x4 drivers should pay for the pollution they create, says a Runcorn Euro-MP.

Lib Dem Chris Davies said: "The current tax system has completely failed to encourage people to buy smaller cars.

"If people want to use one of these gas guzzlers then the Government must require them to pay a significant amount towards the environmental damage they are causing."

Mr Davies drives a 998cc Nissan Micra, a vehicle he says is probably the smallest driven by any MEP.

He said it produces almost three times less CO2 emissions than one of the largest Range Rover four-wheel drives.

"Like the majority of people, most of my time I am in the car by myself," he said.

"Environmental issues aside I cannot see any point in paying through the nose for a big vehicle that can only get through traffic faster than my own by breaking speed limits."