Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Drivers think they can get away with breaking the law, AA warns
Cookies on Businesscar

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time

BusinessCar magazine website email Awards mobile

The start point for the best source of fleet information

Drivers think they can get away with breaking the law, AA warns

Date: 26 January 2018   |   Author: Sean Keywood

Two-thirds of UK motorists think they can get away with careless driving due to a lack of traffic police, research by the AA has found.

A study of more than 19,500 motorists asked how likely it was that drivers would get away with different offences.

In response, 65% said drivers were not likely to be caught or punished for tailgating and hogging the middle lane.

Next most likely to go unpunished was driving a vehicle in a dangerous or defective condition (55%), and using a hand-held mobile phone while driving (54%).

Other offences thought likely to go undetected were not wearing a seatbelt (49%) and not stopping at a red traffic light (44%).

When asked about their perception of police visibility, 65% of drivers felt there was no visible presence on local roads, compared to 43% who claimed there was no police presence on motorways.

When asked about alternative ways to enforce road rules, 71% said cameras alone could not do the job, but only 45% said increased powers should be given to Highways England traffic officers.

AA president Edmund King said: "It is worrying that drivers feel that a lack of police officers on the roads means they think they can get away with careless driving and other serious motoring offences.

"The AA and the government are keen to stamp out using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving, but more than half feel it can be done with little chance of punishment.

"Limited support for allowing third parties to carry out roads enforcement shows that drivers want more police on the streets to catch and prosecute drivers breaking the law.

"What is clear is that camera enforcement is seen as an actual deterrent, but Big Brother can only do so much; we need more cops in cars.

"There is also Home Office research that shows that the most serious motoring offenders are also more likely to be involved in mainstream crime. Hence having more cops in cars not only enhances road safety but prevents more mainstream criminal activity. 

"With a significant drop in specialist traffic officers, it may prove to be difficult to ensure safety to everyone on our roads."



Share


Subscribe