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Executive summary
Drivers are being increasingly
affected by congestion and slower
journey times.
A rise in road-traffic volumes over
2015 – itself a result of lower fuel
prices and improved economic
conditions – has resulted in more
motorists complaining of higher
congestion levels.
Over a quarter
(27%) of those questioned say
congestion and longer journey
times are a top-four concern in
2016,
well up on the
18%
recorded
last year. These concerns are
greatest among those living in
the South East of England.
Seven in 10 motorists
(71%)
say
that the time taken to complete
local journeys is becoming harder
to predict, while a very similar
proportion
(70%)
say the same
about trips on major roads.
The availability of parking has also
become a greater concern in 2016:
14% of motorists say this is one of
their top four concerns this year,
compared with 8% in 2015.
There is a growing trend for drivers
to break the speed limits on country
roads and in urban 20mph zones.
The 2016 Report shows a worrying
trend with more motorists admitting
to exceeding speed limits on country
roads and in the growing number of
urban 20mph zones.
While the number of drivers who
admit to speeding in general has
not increased significantly over the
past 12 months,
the percentage of
motorists who admit to speeding on
country roads – which are where
the majority of fatal accidents occur
– has risen from 38% to 48% over
the last five years
.
The proportion who say they have
broken the speed limit on 20mph
roads has risen from 38% in 2011
to 46%.
As in previous years, there is still
a strong majority of drivers
(66%)
who believe the 70mph motorway
speed limit should be raised to
80mph at least.
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RAC Report on Motoring 2016