Today, there are nearly 30m car drivers in the UK, many using their cars every day to commute to work, go shopping, transport their families and socialise. This silver anniversary edition of the RAC Report on Motoring explores their behaviour and attitudes to motoring, providing a comprehensive snapshot of exactly what it’s like to be a motorist in Britain today, and details the sweeping changes that have occurred in motoring since 1989. It includes the pressing issues on motorists’ minds in 2013, the impact of the cost of motoring, views on government transport policy, the behaviour of other drivers and road safety concerns. It is based on research from a sample of 1,542 UK drivers and commentary from a distinguished panel of motoring experts1 in March 2013. There are a number of key findings in this year’s report which include: The biggest perceived change in the last 25 years is the increased cost of motoring. 61% of motorists say this is the most noticeable change over the past quarter of a century. And, looking at the issues that today’s drivers worry most about, cost is the primary concern for nearly half (46%) with the cost of fuel a particular worry for those living in rural and suburban areas. Even more drivers this year are being forced to curtail their social lives due to the rising cost of motoring (14% this year, compared to 9% in 2012). Despite feeling the pinch, motorists are more dependent on their cars than ever before. Nine out of 10 motorists (89%) are more reliant on their cars today than they were 25 years ago and 78% of all drivers agree they would find it very difficult to adjust to a car-free lifestyle. Motoring taxation continues to annoy motorists. Just one in 10 drivers are both aware of, and happy with, the current balance of motoring taxes. Nearly half of motorists (49%) are unhappy with the balance and there is significant support for shifting the weighting from fuel duty and vehicle excise duty (car tax) towards paying to drive on motorways and in city centres. Many (47%) believe the high taxes levied are used to deter them from using their car and a significant 90% of motorists believe they are hit by high taxes because they are easy targets for the Government. Just 17% of drivers think the current level of motoring taxes is a fair price for their motoring freedom. The condition and maintenance of UK roads comes in for particular criticism from motorists this year and is one of the top three concerns for 2013. 84% of motorists believe the condition of their local roads is deteriorating, an increase of 15% from five years ago. And three quarters of motorists (75%) say the condition of motorways and other main roads is getting noticeably worse, up 5% from 2010. In rural areas, the issue is much worse — nine out of 10 (87%) drivers berate the poor condition of roads after successive harsh winters have increased the number and severity of potholes. Motorists are very concerned about road safety issues and in particular, the behaviour of other drivers which is deemed to have deteriorated over the last five years. Two thirds (65%) think road rage has got worse instead of better and 62% believe the courtesy of other drivers has slipped. But, for 76% of motorists, other people using a hand-held mobile phone is a source of stress. Technology is seen as both a blessing and a curse to motorists. The majority (86%) recognise that cars are safer today and 63% think it has made them safer than ever before. However, there are concerns that in-car technology can be a distraction to drivers. Almost a quarter of motorists (23%) believe sat-navs have made driving today less safe. The three biggest distractions for drivers are still talking to passengers (89%), adjusting car controls (80%) and eating or drinking (49%). Motorists’ speed limit compliance has improved over recent years, however this has plateaued in 2013 and the greatest non-adherence of speed limits still occurs on motorways. Nearly two thirds of motorists (65%) admit to breaking the 70mph speed limit, compared to 63% in 2012, but compliance is far better in 20mph urban zones because motorists understand that they are near schools and accident blackspots. Young drivers have polarised views both on learning to drive and on how well this equips them to drive safely. Over a third (35%) of young drivers believe the standard driving test does not test all of the skills required to cope with the demands of driving today and three in 10 (30%) did not feel confident after they passed their driving test. More than half (53%) say they would have liked supervised driving practice on the motorway as part of their driving lessons. (Author/publisher)
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