RAC Report on Motoring 2019 - A driving need - Mynewsdesk
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
RAC Report on Motoring 2019 A driving need
RAC Report on Motoring
Contents
Foreword 4 7 Then and now 62
7.1 Rudeness on our roads 64
Executive summary 6
7.2 The consequences of stress 65
1 Cost of motoring 10
1.1 The cost of petrol and 8 Views from across the UK 66
diesel 12
8.1 London 68
1.2 Insurance, parking and
8.2 South East England 70
maintenance costs 14
8.3 South West England 70
2 The state of our roads 16
8.4 West Midlands 72
2.1 Not just potholes 20
8.5 East Midlands 72
2.2 Motorways and major roads:
8.6 East of England 73
a better picture? 22
8.7 Yorkshire and Humberside 74
3 Menaces on our roads 24
8.8 North East England 74
3.1 Aggression on the rise 26
8.9 North West England 74
3.2 Phone use: a distraction
8.10 Wales 76
danger 28
8.11 Scotland 76
3.3 Under the influence 32
8.12 Northern Ireland 77
3.4 Testing the limits 34
4 Car dependency 36 9 RAC successes 78
4.1 Public transport an
inadequate alternative 38 10 RAC calls to action 80
4.2 Regional differences 42
11 Who is the motorist? 84
5 Impact of motoring
on the environment 44
12 Appendix 85
5.1 Differences among drivers 48
5.2 Buying the right car for the
13 Advisory panel and
environment 50
company overview 86
6 Driving into the future 54
6.1 Electric vehicles: the start of a
revolution? 56
6.2 Are drivers ready for road
pricing? 58
6.3 Running the risk: safety and
smart motorways 60
3
RAC Report on Motoring 2019 Foreword
Foreword
Ben Collins
Stunt driver and best-selling author While from a public transport point of As ever the RAC Report on Motoring
view HS2 dominates the headlines, a highlights the changing trends that
formerly known as The Stig quiet revolution in common sense is affect every single one of us, because
seeing a resurgence in the local and everyone is a road user in one sense
I learned the basics of driving from If you can walk and chew gum at the rural rail routes that were closed in or another. We are all in this together
the back seat, watching my parents. same time then you can probably the 1960s. and there are nuggets of information
My father’s style of driving at the place a call via handsfree Bluetooth in this report that will help you to
That and the new national bus
helm of our Rover SD1 was without crashing into a tree. So you improve your journey as well as
strategy should alleviate the woes of
breathtaking enough but it was the send a text next time and there’s still those of others around you.
inching along in dense traffic while
chain of cigarettes that left me no tree to greet you… but chance is a
pumping fumes into urban areas.
light-headed. Nobody knew about numbers game.
the effects of second-hand smoke It will also be a lifeline for urban
Try timing yourself with a stopwatch
back then. communities who have become
and see how long it takes to select
increasingly dependent on their cars
The latest menace is the ubiquitous the app and type “home in 10 mins.”
as their only means of transport.
mobile phone. You’re enjoying your In five seconds, and I defy to type
Taken as a whole, over a third of
Sunday roast when an in-law, faster, at just 40 miles per hour you
drivers have become more, not less,
oblivious to your calls to pass the travel the length of a football pitch
dependent on their cars in the past
carrots, starts watching football, with your eyes effectively closed.
year.
texting or posting drivel. Your mouth With more vehicles on the road than
opens involuntarily: “what are you ever before, the consequences don’t This year marks the moment that
doing?” bear thinking about. automotive technology stepped up to
the mark to reduce emissions. Diesel
All eyes swivel in your direction and Despite the rise in traffic density over
NOx emissions have fallen 84% since
your next remark guarantees that the years, public transport really
2000 and modern diesel engines
there won’t be any more family hasn’t kept up with demand, though
filter out 99.9% of the worrisome
lunches for a long time, at least not its cost has skyrocketed. Frustration
particulate matter while producing
while you’re in town. is finding its vent in the form of
15% less carbon than petrol motors.
tailgating and aggressive behaviour
We have evolved into the two camps The dawn of electric is upon us with
while courtesy has taken a back seat.
of the frustrated and of the entitled. nearly every car manufacturer
If we’re honest, we probably spend Nearly half of drivers in this year’s unveiling their take on the car of the
some time in both camps. This year’s RAC Report on Motoring have future.
RAC Report on Motoring identifies witnessed verbal abuse on the roads
But these cars won’t drive
irresponsible and hazardous in the past year, with nearly a third
themselves, and while there are giant
behaviour in other drivers as the observing some kind of physical
leaps in technology taking place, it is
primary concern among other confrontation.
the device in our pockets that
motorists, with drivers using
continues to pose a real danger to
handheld phones topping the list of
more than just my Sunday lunch.
concerns.
4 5
RAC Report on Motoring 2019 Executive summary
Executive summary
The annual RAC Report Motorists are most What are drivers’ top motoring concerns?
concerned about the
on Motoring provides irresponsible and hazardous 1. 36% Drivers using handheld mobile phones
vivid insight into the behaviour of other drivers 2. 34% Cost of fuel
attitudes and opinions 3. 33% Condition and maintenance of local roads
The single most widespread concern
of the approximately 40 in 2019, cited by 36% of respondents,
4. 30% Aggressive behaviour of other drivers
28% Cost of insuring a car
is other drivers using handheld 5.
million drivers in the mobile phones at the wheel. 6. 23% Drivers under the influence of drink
UK1 on topics ranging Nonetheless, nearly a quarter of 7. 22% Drivers breaking traffic laws
motorists (24%) admit to using a
from the state of the handheld phone to make or receive
8. 21% Drivers without tax or insurance
calls while driving at least 9. 21% Traffic congestion / slower journeys
nation’s roads and fuel occasionally. The proportion of 10. 21% Cost of parking
prices to taxation, the motorists who say other drivers’ 11. 18% Drivers under the influence of drugs
aggressive behaviour is one of their
environment and four most serious concerns has 12. 17% Availability of parking
increased from 26% to 30%. 13. 16% Behaviour of cyclists
motoring hazards. 14. 14% Number of road accidents
And, almost a third (30%) report that
they have personally witnessed 15. 14% Environmental impact of motoring
The research in the 2019 Report is
physical abuse related to a driving 16. 12% Impact of harmful emissions from diesels on health
based on in-depth interviews carried
incident in the past 12 months. 17. 12% Condition/maintenance of motorways/dual-carriageways
out with a fully-representative
Others driving under the influence of
cross-section of 1,700 drivers around 18. 12% Drivers over the age of 70
alcohol is a concern for 23% of the
the country. These are some of its 19. 11% Vehicle theft and criminal damage
motoring population. But the same
key findings.
proportion (23%) say they usually 20. 6% Drivers under the age of 21
consume at least one small
alcoholic drink after driving to a
social occasion. This year has also
seen increases in the proportion of
drivers who admit to breaking the
speed limit on 30mph and 20mph
36%
roads.
are concerned about
other drivers’ mobile phone use
1. https://data.gov.uk/dataset/d0be1ed2-9907-4ec4-b552-c048f6aec16a/gb-driving-licence-data
6 7
RAC Report on Motoring 2019 Executive summary
Executive summary
The cost of motoring is a The state of the UK’s roads The UK’s motorists are Concern about the impact
major issue for drivers in is not as pressing a concern becoming steadily more of cars on the environment
2019 as it was in 2018 dependent on their cars and on health has grown in
recent years
Rises in the price of petrol and Whether as a result of extra This year, 35% of drivers say they
diesel in the early months of this funding being made available to have become more dependent on The proportion of drivers who say
year mean that the cost of fuel is a local authorities or more clement their vehicles in the last 12 months, the environmental impact of
chief concern for 34% of drivers, up winter weather, fewer motorists the highest proportion in the motoring is one of their main
from 29% in 2018. Two-thirds of this year say that the state of local Report’s last five years. Only 14% concerns has doubled to 14% over
motorists (67%) say their roads is their top concern (down to have become less dependent. the past three years; concern about
expenditure on fuel has risen since 10% from 17% in 2018). the impact of diesel emissions on
Meanwhile, most motorists (53%)
last year: in 2018, only 61% said this. Nonetheless, almost half of UK health has also doubled, to 12%,
say they are frustrated at the lack
There has also been an increase in drivers (49% – down from 66%) say over the same period. These
of feasible transport alternatives
recorded concern about the price of the condition of their local roads concerns are on average higher
for long journeys (52% for short
insurance premiums and the cost of has worsened in the past 12 among the under-25s.
journeys).
parking, while more drivers say their months, with the issue felt most
maintenance and servicing expenses A majority (57%) would be willing to But while a majority of motorists
keenly in rural areas. say they would be willing to take
have risen – perhaps as a result of use their cars less if public
motorists holding on to their As well as potholes and surface transport was improved with lower action to reduce their own
vehicles for longer. problems, more motorists are fares, more frequent services and emissions’ footprint, for example by
complaining about poor signage better punctuality. Most drivers car-sharing when commuting or by
visibility, lack of foliage (73%) would find it very difficult to switching off their engine while
Driving has become maintenance and increased levels adjust to a life without a car, waiting in traffic, the overall
significantly more stressful of litter – on both local and major especially if they live in rural areas percentage saying this was lower
roads – this year. than last year.
over the past decade and villages (84%).
Most drivers (72%) support the And, a smaller proportion of drivers
Government’s plans to use all (53% versus 58% in 2018) agree
Most motorists (66%) believe that that changes should be made to the
money collected from vehicle excise
driving is more stressful in 2019 Vehicle Excise Duty system to
duty for the new National Roads
than it was 10 years ago, with an encourage further take-up of
Fund from next year.
increase in overall traffic and ultra-low emission vehicles.
congestion the main reason. But
many drivers also feel that other
road users are less patient (76%)
and less polite (63%), while 60% of
motorists say they see more road-
rage incidents today than they did a
decade ago.
8 9
1
Cost of
motoring
Rising costs putting
motorists under pressure
Higher petrol and diesel prices are
putting a significant burden on UK
drivers, research for the RAC
Report on Motoring has found – but
those are not the only rising costs
motorists are experiencing. >
michael715/shutterstock.com
RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 1 Cost of motoring
see pages 80-83
1 Cost of motoring
1.1 The cost of petrol and diesel Only 5% of motorists say their bills
Our Report on Motoring 2019 shows had decreased – and they are more
that around one in every eight likely to be drivers of alternatively
drivers – 12%, or the equivalent of fuelled vehicles such as
4.8 million people – say that their conventional hybrids or other
number-one motoring-related low-emission vehicles (LEVs).
issue today is the cost of fuel. Only
The Report identified significant
8% said the same 12 months ago.
regional differences in fuel price
This surge in concern reflects the increases: while only 51% of
rises in global oil prices that were London-based motorists said their
seen in the first few months of this petrol or diesel expenditure had
year – and it may also be caused to risen in the past 12 months, the
some extent by the political and rate was 76% in Northern Ireland
economic uncertainty currently and 74% in the East of England.
facing the UK.
Concern about the cost of filling up
Overall, more than a third of is highest in villages and rural
motorists (34%) – or the equivalent areas: here, one in five motorists
of 13 million vehicle users – say (20%) say fuel prices are their top
that fuel prices are one of their top concern against just 8% in towns
four concerns in 2019, up from 29% and cities, no doubt due to the
a year ago. This makes the cost of increased need for using a car out
fuel now the second biggest overall in the countryside.
concern to motorists. How have drivers’ costs changed
12%
More drivers this year report that over the last 12 months?
their fuel bills have increased than
in 2018: two-thirds (67%) report Fuel 67% 27% 5%
that the cost of filling up is higher
this year, compared with 61% who say that their number-one
motoring-related issue is the Parking 58% 26% 3%
said the same 12 months ago. cost of fuel
Insurance 52% 36% 9%
Maintenance
50% 41% 4%
or repairs
Tax 40% 50% 6%
Risen Stayed the same Fallen Don’t know or not applicable
12 memoryman/shutterstock.com
13
RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 1 Cost of motoring
see pages 80-83
1 Cost of motoring
1.2 Insurance, parking and The cost of these permits is The cost of repairing and This year’s report found an
maintenance costs considerably more likely to have maintaining cars is also a increase in the age of the
But it’s not just rising fuel prices risen in London, where 35% of growing problem for motorists: average vehicle from 5.1 years
that drivers are being affected drivers say they are paying extra in 50% of drivers report that their in 2018 to 5.5 years in 2019 – a
by. At the same time, drivers are 2019 against 18% in the UK as a servicing bills have risen over change that is borne out by
also worried about other whole. This has possibly been the past year against 45% who figures published by the Society
motoring expenses. For example, driven by higher permit charges said the same in 2018. This may of Motor Manufacturers and
28% say the cost of insurance is for diesel vehicles which a number reflect the fact not only that Traders (SMMT) in June, which
a major concern this year – up of London boroughs have vehicles are becoming showed that private
from 25% in 2018. Figures introduced. increasingly complex, but also registrations of new vehicles
published by the Association of that current economic were down 3.2% in the first six
21%
British Insurers in April this conditions mean that motorists months of 2019.
year2 suggest that premiums are holding on to their cars for
have started to fall from 2017’s longer before replacing them
highs but these falls have with newer models, which
recently stalled3 and policy prices raises the risk of having to meet
more than a fifth of drivers (sharply
remain significantly more higher than last year’s 16%) say the costs of age-related repairs,
expensive than in the earlier part parking prices are a concern. especially when vehicles leave
of the decade. their manufacturer warranty
Meanwhile, more than a fifth (21%, period and owners have to start
sharply higher than last year’s 16%) paying for repairs out of their
say parking prices are a concern. own pockets.
Almost six in 10 motorists (58%)
say that general parking charges
are up this year, while there has
been an increase in the number
As vehicles become more and more
of drivers who now face paying
technologically complex, it is perhaps not surprising
for residential parking permits:
that the cost of maintaining and repairing them is
a majority of all motorists (56%)
increasing. And the fact that motorists are holding on
now have to pay for such
to their cars for longer will also inevitably result in
permits, significantly up from
41% in 2018. higher maintenance costs.”
Phil Ryan, Managing Director, Business Roadside, RAC
2. h ttps://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2019/04/downhill-drive--large-quarterly-drop-sees-the-
cost-of-motor-insurance-fall-to-a-two-year-low/
3. https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2019/07/fall-in-the-cost-of-motor-insurance-stalls-as-the-
abi-warns-of-a-bumpy-road-ahead-for-motorists/
14 15
2
The state
of our roads
Are things getting better?
The equivalent of nearly 20 million
British drivers think the condition
and maintenance of the roads they
use every day has got even worse
over the past 12 months, the
Report has found. >
paul rushton/shutterstock.com
RAC Report on Motoring 2019 2 The state of our roads
2 The state of our roads
The 2019 Report on Motoring These figures chime with the
How has the state of local roads changed
shows that 49% of drivers say the RAC’s recent Pothole Index4 compared to a year ago?
condition of local roads – that is findings: these show that RAC % of drivers who feel they are better, worse or about the same
all roads that are not motorways patrols attended fewer pothole-
or major A-roads – have related breakdowns in the first
deteriorated since last year, three months of 2019 than in any Drivers in
primarily as a result of potholes first quarter for three years, and
and other road-surface problems. also that in the 12 months to June
towns and
cities
17% 38% 44%
Meanwhile only 11% believe the this year, there were fewer such
roads in their area have improved. breakdowns than in any period
since 2007. Drivers in
But while the picture is certainly
gloomy, there are some The most recent edition of the
suburbs
8% 52% 39%
indications that this issue is not as annual survey carried out by the
bad as it has been in recent years. Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA)
In 2018, for example, the condition echoes the Report on Motoring’s
of local roads was the top overall findings to some extent: the AIA’s Drivers in Better than a year ago
motoring-related concern for a 2019 Annual Local Authority Road villages and 7% 58% 35% Worse than a year ago
staggering 17% of drivers – Maintenance (ALARM) report5, rural locations About the same
equating to roughly 6.8 million which was published in March,
people – outstripping issues such indicated that an increase in local
as handheld mobile phone use, authority funding was to some
drink-driving and the cost of fuel. extent “stemming the decline” in
This year, however, that proportion the condition of England’s local
has dropped to 10%. roads.
There has also been a notable fall After a relatively mild winter it is no surprise
49%
in the percentage of motorists that pothole problems are easing in comparison with
who think local roads have got last year – and that pothole repairs made in recent
worse – in 2018, the proportion months are holding up.”
was 66% compared with this
year’s 49%. Steve Gooding, Director
of drivers say the condition of local RAC Foundation
roads – that is all roads that are not
motorways or major A-roads – has
deteriorated since last year
4. h
ttps://www.rac.co.uk/potholeindex
5. h ttps://www.asphaltuk.org/alarm-survey-page
18 marc bruxelle/shutterstock.com
19RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 2 The state of our roads
see pages 80-83
2 The state of our roads
2.1 Not just potholes Almost as many drivers (77%) favour
Potholes and related road-surface having at least a chunk of their
problems take most of the blame for motoring taxes ring-fenced to fund
worsening conditions. But these are local road maintenance. In July 2019,
not drivers’ sole concerns. There has the Parliamentary Transport
been a sharp rise in dissatisfaction Committee published a report calling
about grass and foliage maintenance for long-term funding solutions to
on local roadsides, with 22% of enable local authorities to better
drivers saying this is one reason maintain roads under their control6.
conditions are worse. The RAC has welcomed this report7 ,
and urged the Government to develop
At the same time, there has been a
a five-year investment plan for local
doubling in the proportion of
motorists who say signage visibility
roads. How has the condition of UK roads
on local roads has deteriorated, from And there appears to be a clear worsened?
8% to 17%. It is quite possible that town-versus-country divide in terms The reasons given by drivers who feel the condition of roads has worsened
the two issues are linked, with of road maintenance: drivers based
substandard foliage maintenance in rural locations are almost 10% Local roads Motorways and dual carriageways
leading to an increase in signs being more likely to say their local road Road surface 95% 77%
obscured by vegetation. conditions have worsened in the past /potholes
12 months. Meanwhile, 25% of 23% 30%
Our research has also identified a Too much litter
London-based motorists say
growing sense of resentment among
conditions are in fact better this year, Foliage management 22% 18%
motorists, most of whom pay
against the UK-wide average of 11%.
hundreds of pounds annually in
Signage visibility 17% 19%
motoring taxes but who are forced to
endure such poor conditions.
83%
Street lights not working 11% 16%
More than eight in 10 drivers – 83%,
Damaged safety
or the equivalent of 31 million people barriers
9% 18%
– say that the quality of roads should
1% 3%
be better given the amount of tax Other
they hand over to the Government say that the quality of roads should Lane marking visibility 27%
every year. be better given the amount of tax they
hand over to the Government every year
6. h ttps://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/transport-
committee/news-parliament-2017/local-roads-funding-governance-report-published-17-19/
7. https://media.rac.co.uk/news/local-roads-funding-report-by-the-transport-committee-rac-
statement-374610
20 699254410/shutterstock.com
21RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 2 The state of our roads
see pages 80-83
2 The state of our roads
2.2 Motorways and major roads: Finally, there is widespread support
a better picture? among motorists for the
Drivers’ views on motorway and Government’s plans to use all money
major dual-carriageway conditions collected from Vehicle Excise Duty
are somewhat brighter than on local for the new National Roads Fund:
roads, but there is still considerable 72% think this is a good idea. From
room for improvement. Well over 2020-21, vehicle excise duty receipts
twice as many motorists – 28% – will be ringfenced for use on
think the conditions here have strategic and major routes to both
worsened over the past 12 months increase capacity on the network to
as think they have improved (11%). future-proof anticipated increased
traffic volumes. The strategic road
But this is less damning a verdict
network presently carries around a
than in 2018, when 40% of drivers
third of all traffic while making up
said the state of major roads had
just 2% of all roads8.
deteriorated. Unfortunately, though,
this year there has been a sharp
increase in the number of motorists
bemoaning the amount of litter by
the side of major roads: 30% of
those drivers who said motorway
28%
and A-road conditions had worsened
blamed litter, up from 25% last year.
The focus on improving the surface of our roads think that conditions on motorways
and dual carriageways have worsened
is to be welcomed but is there the possibility that the versus 11% of motorists that believe
likes of Highways England are focusing on them a little they have improved. Meanwhile 55%
too much at the detriment of other things? Motorists believe conditions have remained the
same
have major concerns over things like litter and signage
visibility which get little attention.”
Graeme Paton, Transport Correspondent
The Times
8. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/
file/808555/road-traffic-estimates-in-great-britain-2018.pdf
22 neil mitchell/shutterstock.com
233
Menaces
on our roads
UK drivers say they are fearful of
the dangers posed by other
motorists, this year’s RAC Report
on Motoring has found. >
stephen barnes/shutterstock.comRAC Report on Motoring 2019 3 Menaces on our roads
3 Menaces on our roads
The menaces on Britain’s roads – Meanwhile, there is a widespread
ranging from tailgating and texting feeling among drivers that
at the wheel to drink-driving and standards of behaviour on our
road rage – have never been roads have deteriorated
greater than they are today, our significantly over the course of the
research suggests. The equivalent last decade: 76% of drivers believe
of more than 14 million car owners that motorists are less patient
(36%) say in our 2019 survey that today than they were in 2009, while
their top motoring-related concern 60% say they witness a greater
is some form of illegal, anti-social number of road-rage incidents than
or dangerous behaviour on the part they did 10 years ago.
of other drivers – behaviour that
It is hardly surprising, then, that the
has the potential to put the lives of
proportion of motorists who say
all other road users at serious risk.
that their single biggest fear is the
aggressive behaviour of other
3.1 Aggression on the rise drivers has doubled – from 4% to
Perhaps the most shocking 8% – over the past 12 months.
evidence of the menace on our
To put this into context, more
roads is the fact that three in every
drivers are worried about road
10 motorists (30%) say they have
rage, tailgating and excessive
personally witnessed some form of
speeding than they are about
physical abuse related to a driving
congestion, for example, or the
incident in the past 12 months.
rising cost of insurance.
Almost half – the equivalent of
around 20 million drivers – report
that they have seen verbal abuse
30%
dished out to another motorist this
year.
of motorists say they have personally
witnessed some form of physical abuse
related to a driving incident in the past
12 months
26 n_defender/shutterstock.com
27RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 3 Menaces on our roads
see pages 80-83
3 Menaces on our roads
3.2 Phone use: a distraction danger Staggeringly, however, our research
While aggression at the wheel poses also shows that there remains a
significant levels of danger, the use significant hardcore of motorists
of mobile phones by other drivers who admit to using their phones 12% 7%
can be just as life-threatening – if without hands-free kits while at the
not more so. wheel, seemingly oblivious or 9%
13%
Over recent years, a spotlight has
indifferent to the dangers they pose 62% 78%
to themselves and their passengers,
been shone on the scourge of 10%
not to mention other road users.
handheld mobile phone usage – not
just to make and receive calls, but Almost a quarter of all drivers – the
also to compose and read messages, equivalent of just under 10 million
and even to take pictures and record motorists (23%) – confess that they 17 to 24-year-olds 25 to 44-year-olds
videos. And this year’s Report on make or receive calls on a handheld
Motoring has found that this is the phone while they are driving at least
most commonly cited concern: 12% occasionally. Among drivers aged
of drivers, or the equivalent of between 17 and 24, this rate is 51%.
around five million people – say it is
Meanwhile, 17% of all drivers – and
their biggest worry.
a shocking 35% of under-25s – say
they check texts, email or social
media while driving, despite the 95% 100%
35%
heightened level of risk involved in
looking away from the road for
seconds at a time.
45 to 64-year-olds 65+ age group
of under-25s – say they check texts,
email or social media while driving
All of the time ‘I text, email, use
Current legislation focuses on handheld mobile
Most of the time social media or
phones, but the fact is that hands-free mobile use can
Sometimes the internet while
be almost as bad. People think that because they are Rarely
driving’
obeying the law by using a hands-free kit, they are safe Never
and aren’t being distracted – but that’s not the case.”
Mike Quinton, Chief Executive, IAM Roadsmart
28 gutesa/shutterstock.com
29RAC Report on Motoring 2019 3 Menaces on our roads
3 Menaces on our roads
The risk of being distracted by an A quarter (24%) of motorists say they
incoming call or other form of usually leave their phones switched
notification appears to be worryingly on with the sound on when driving,
high for many motorists. Only a rather than putting the device on
small minority of drivers (15%) silent or switching to some form of
follow the official government advice safe-driving mode.
to put their phone in their glove
compartment while driving: most
people either keep their phone in a
pocket or bag (45%) or put it on the
seat or console next to them (25%).
‘I take photos 8% 4%
5%
- including 7%
selfies - or 15%
record videos
65% 81%
8%
while driving’
17 to 24-year-olds 25 to 44-year-olds
All of the time
Most of the time
Sometimes It would be interesting to see motorists’ views
on the kind of mobile phone use they are most
Rarely
95% 100% concerned about – for example, it may be that there is
Never
a greater level of worry about drivers using handheld
phones at high speeds on the motorway.”
Matthew Avery, Director of Insurance Research,
Thatcham Research
45 to 64-year-olds 65+ age group
30 daxiao productions/shutterstock.com
31RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 3 Menaces on our roads
see pages 80-83
3 Menaces on our roads
Unfortunately, the numbers of police officers
actively engaged in roads policing activities are now
3.3 Under the influence This proportion rises to just under significantly reduced, and despite positive noises from
A further threat to the lives of UK half (44%) of motorists aged under the new Prime Minister on loosening fiscal strictures
road users is drink- and drug- 25, and 27% of those aged between and recruiting more officers, this specialist area will
driving. The equivalent of almost four 25 and 44. Almost a quarter of the not see real benefits for some time. Until there are
million motorists (10%) say that their motoring public – which would technological enforcement options available I don’t
biggest concern in 2019 is other road roughly equate to over nine million believe that this area will be targeted effectively.”
users under the influence either of drivers (23%) – say that they normally Suzette Davenport, Former Chief Constable,
alcohol or drugs. But again, a consume at least once small Gloucestershire Police, and National Lead for Roads Policing
significant number of people appear alcoholic drink whenever they drive in England and Wales
happy to take the risk of driving with with friends or family members to a
alcohol in their systems. Some 19% social occasion.
of motorists – equating to more than
seven million individuals – admit they
have probably driven while over the
drink-drive limit in the past 12
months, either shortly after having a
drink, or the morning after drinking.
Proportion of drivers 8%
8% 8%
who have driven 10% 10%
while over the 16%
11% 53%
53% 11% 69%
drink-drive limit over
17%
the last 12 months
I know I’ve driven when 17 to 24-year-olds 25 to 44-year-olds
over the limit the following
morning after a night out
I think I’ve driven when over
the limit shortly after
19%
having a drink(s)
I know I’ve driven when
95%
over the limit shortly after
having a drink(s) 90%
I think I’ve driven when
over the limit the following
morning after a night out of motorists - equating to more than
seven million individuals – admit they
No, I don’t think I’ve have probably driven while over the
driven drink-drive limit in the past 12 months
45 to 64-year-olds 65+ age group
32 rawf8/shutterstock.com
33RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 3 Menaces on our roads
see pages 80-83
3 Menaces on our roads
3.4 Testing the limits But increasing numbers of drivers
A high number of motorists also admit to breaking 30mph and 20mph
admit to another form of potentially limits on a regular basis: this year
dangerous lawbreaking – namely, the proportion in both cases is 44%,
speeding. More than half of all well up on the 39% (for 30mph urban
drivers (55% – the equivalent of roads) and 36% (for 20mph urban
around 22 million motorists) say they area zones) recorded in 2018. A third
exceed the 70mph motorway limit (33%) of drivers who regularly break
either occasionally or frequently – 20mph limits justify their actions by
although this proportion has fallen saying that the limit is
steadily over the past five years. “inappropriate” for the roads it has
been applied to.
What’s the fastest UK motorists have
driven on 20mph roads?
within the limit - 20% When authorities decide to cover a large area
with a blanket 20mph limit, it is probably more likely to
up to 5mph above the limit - 30% be seen as inappropriate by drivers – and the research
seems to support that.”
6 -10mph above the limit - 41%
Theo de Pencier, Non-executive board member, Transport
Focus; Former Chief Executive Officer, Freight Transport
11 -15mph above the limit - 3% Association
16 - 20mph above the limit - 3%
21mph+ above the limit - 3%
34 richardjohnson/shutterstock.com
354
Car
dependency
A headache for
policymakers?
British drivers are becoming even
more reliant on their cars as their
main mode of transport. Research
for the 2019 Report on Motoring
has identified a trend towards
growing car dependency in the UK
– at a time when the Government
and local authorities are keen for
drivers to use their cars less. >
janis smits/shutterstock.comRAC Report on Motoring 2019 4 Car dependency
4 Car dependency
This year, the equivalent of 14 million But a significant number of drivers
motorists (35%) say they have feel they have little choice but to These statistics on dependency confirm that our
become more dependent on their rely on their cars given the lack of cars are still hugely important – a fact that
vehicles in the last 12 months – up other viable options: more than half policymakers can sometimes lose sight of when they
from 33% in 2018 and the highest (53%) of the UK’s near 40 million look through the lens of urban – and especially London
proportion in the past five years. motorists9 say they are frustrated - transport options. A great number of people do not
Only 14% of drivers (around 5 million by the lack of feasible alternative
have reliable public transport as an alternative.”
people) say they have become less modes of transport for long
dependent this year. journeys, while a similar proportion Mike Hawes, Chief Executive,
(52%) say the same about short Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
journeys.
4.1 Public transport an inadequate
alternative A majority of drivers – 57%, the
The Government is keen to equivalent of almost 23 million
encourage drivers to use their people – would be willing to use
vehicles less – not only to ease the their cars less if the quality of
pressure on the UK’s road network, public transport was better, and
but also to help the country meet agreement with this statement has
its greenhouse-gas emissions been high for 11 consecutive years
targets and reduce the impact of now.
diesel emissions on air quality.
UK drivers who Agree
Disagree
agree or disagree 57%
with the statement: 70% Agree
‘I would use my car 21%
less if public transport Disagree
were better’
Opinion shifted after 2002 and has 0%
remained that way ever since
1989 2002 2019
9. https://data.gov.uk/dataset/d0be1ed2-9907-4ec4-b552-c048f6aec16a/gb-driving-licence-data
38 datenschutz-stockfoto/shutterstock.com
39RAC Report on Motoring 2019 4 Car dependency
4 Car dependency
Among this group of motorists, 50% In May, the Parliamentary Transport
complain that fares are too high – Committee published a report11
up by five percentage points on last which called for the introduction of
year – while 41% say services are a national bus strategy to address
not frequent enough. Meanwhile, a the paucity of services available
growing number of people (36% outside of London, where bus
– up from 31% in 2018) say that a provision is regulated by Transport
lack of punctuality is a significant for London. The committee said
barrier to them using public that more than 3,000 bus routes
transport as an alternative to had been reduced, withdrawn or
driving, and 38% say services don’t altered since 2010-11.
run where they need them to.
35%
So it is clear that many drivers
continue to believe that public
transport does not suit their needs
for the sorts of journeys they have
to make. say they have become more dependent
on their vehicles in the last 12 months Why don’t drivers use public transport more?
Of those who would be willing to – up from 33% in 2018 and the highest
Based on drivers who said they would use their car less if public transport was better
consider using public transport if proportion in the past five years
services were better, almost a third 2019 2018
(31%) say they would make more Fares are too high 50% 45%
use of it if there was greater
availability of services – a figure Doesn’t run often enough 41% 39%
that rises to 40% for rural
Doesn’t run when I need it to 41% 42%
motorists, reflecting to some extent
the significant cuts that have been Isn’t close enough 38% 40%
made to rural bus services in
recent years.10 Doesn’t run on time 36% 31%
Services are too crowded 27% 25%
Services are too slow 25% 25%
Too many cancellations 19% 16%
My personal safety is at risk 10% 11%
10. https://bettertransport.org.uk/sites/default/files/research-files/19.04.12.bic-2018.pdf
11. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmtrans/1425/1425.pdf
40 jed leicester/shutterstock.com
41RAC Report on Motoring 2019 4 Car dependency
4 Car dependency
4.2 Regional differences London residents would find it
The Report has found that easier to live without a car: only
motorists who live in London are far 58% say they would struggle to
more likely to use alternatives to adjust, compared with 84% of rural
their cars for many journeys: in the and village-based motorists.
capital, on average 38% of each
To what extent are drivers willing to
driver’s weekly journeys are made
cut back their vehicle use for
either by public transport, walking
environmental reasons? We explore
or cycling compared with a national
this question in more detail in the
average of 24%.
next section.
For those who live in villages or
other rural areas, cars typically
account for 85% of all journeys, with
just 15% represented by public
transport, cycling or walking.
38%
Across the UK as a whole, an
overwhelming majority of motorists
(73%) say they would find it very
difficult to adjust to life without a
car – and more than half (54%) of of drivers weekly journeys in the capital are
made either by public transport, walking or
this group say this is because their cycling
vehicle is essential to carry heavy
items.
It would be very interesting to compare the
levels of car dependency in London – where there are a
number of realistic alternatives to car use – to those in
the rest of the UK, and even in other major cities.”
David Davies, Executive Director, PACTS
42 kzenon/shutterstock.com
435
Impact of
motoring
on the
environment
Are drivers willing to act?
The RAC Report on Motoring has
shown that, over the years, issues
relating to the environment have
steadily become more important to
drivers. >
ltummy /shutterstock.comRAC Report on Motoring 2019 5 Environmental impact of motoring
5 Environmental impact of motoring
In 2019,14% of all motorists said Fewer people this year are
the environmental impact of interested in understanding how
motoring was one of their four their vehicle’s emissions affect air
main concerns – double the 7% quality (down to 55% from 64%), or
recorded in 2016. And, concern are willing to share a car with a
about the impact of harmful diesel friend or colleague in order to cut
emissions on health has also emissions (down to 43% from 51%).
doubled over the past three years,
And, only 39% of drivers would
from 6% to 12% of drivers, which
consider walking or cycling a short
doubtless coincides with the rise in
journey for environmental reasons
public awareness around the issue.
instead of using their cars – a sharp
But the bad news for policymakers fall on the 49% recorded in 2018. It
is that this year’s Report has is possible that some of these
recorded a fall in the public’s findings could be explained by the
willingness to take action to reduce fact that drivers are increasingly
their own personal vehicle reliant on using a car, as other data
emissions’ footprint – although from this year’s research shows.
there are significant differences
14%
among different groups of drivers.
For example, while more than
two-thirds (67%) of motorists last
year said they would be willing to
switch off their engines while in Concern about the environmental
traffic for environmental reasons, of all motorists said the environmental impact of motoring:
impact of motoring was one of their
the proportion has fallen to 61% in
four main concerns – double the 7%
2019. recorded in 2016
2019: 14%
2018: 12%
2017: 9%
2016: 7%
46 ltummy/shutterstock.com
47RAC Report on Motoring 2019 5 Environmental impact of motoring
5 Environmental impact of motoring
5.1 Differences among drivers Drivers under the age of 25 are
This year’s Report demonstrates more likely to consider car-sharing
differences between various (53% against an average of 43%), or
sections of the population when it replacing a short car journey by
comes to the environment. walking or cycling (45% versus
Concern relating to the 39%). And, more than a fifth (22%)
environmental impact of motoring, of younger drivers would consider
for example, is highest among giving up their cars altogether in
under-25s – 16% say this is one of order to cut their environmental
their four main concerns against impact.
12% of drivers aged between 45 and
Among the over-65s, this rate is
64.
just 7% – and 6% for motorists in
Age differences relating to concern villages and rural areas, which
about the health impact of diesel reflects the fact that they are
emissions are even starker: 20% of particularly reliant on their vehicles
under-25s cite this as a top-four due to a lack of alternative
concern against just 11% of over- transport options.
65s.
This trend also applies to the type
of action motorists are willing to
take to reduce their emissions’
footprint.
It is important to look at the environmental views
of different demographics and communities rather
than analysing them as a homogeneous group: only by
doing so can we formulate policies that will be
effective.”
Gemma Brand, Head of Statistics,
Road and Freight, Department for Transport
48 ink drop/shutterstock.com
49RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 5 Environmental impact of motoring
see pages 80-83
5 Environmental impact of motoring
5.2 Buying the right car for the Recent years have seen a steady What do would-be buyers of battery electric
environment increase on the part of drivers to vehicles want the minimum range to be?
Purchasing or leasing a vehicle can consider a conventional hybrid as
Based on drivers who don’t currently run a battery electric vehicle
be costly and is often the second their next vehicle purchase: the
most expensive item a person will rate has risen to 21% this year from 2018 2019
spend money on after a house. 17% in 2018. 100 miles 2% 4%
Consumers look at many aspects of
In 2019, 7% of drivers say they plan
what appeals to them when making 150 miles 4% 5%
to buy a plug-in hybrid as their next
their buying decision, but what type
car, the same proportion as
of car to opt for can often be a 200 miles 13% 14%
recorded in 2018.
confusing process, especially given
300 miles 22% 21%
concerns about the environment While pure electric cars remain a
and the introduction of Clean Air minority option, there has in the 400 miles 17% 15%
Zones in many cities. past 12 months been a notable
increase – from 3% to 6% – in the 500 miles 13% 11%
This year’s Report on Motoring
proportion of drivers who say they
found that petrol cars are the likely 600 miles 5% 4%
intend to buy such a vehicle next.
next-vehicle option for 48% of
>600 miles 10% 9%
drivers, down from 52% in 2018 but
still the most popular choice. Don’t know 14% 17%
A number of recent controversies
over diesel manufacturers and the
health impact of diesel emissions
have seen these cars fall sharply in
popularity: this year, only 15% of
motorists say they will buy a diesel
next, down from 18% in 2018 and
28% as recently as 2016.
Drivers would like
an average range of
375 miles before
purchasing an EV
50 buenafoto/shutterstock.com
51RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 5 Environmental impact of motoring
see pages 80-83
5 Environmental impact of motoring
RAC Advice Many modern diesels have soot- Plug-in hybrid electric – Plug-in hybrid
reducing diesel particulate filters, electric cars give those who
Petrol vehicle – modern petrol cars which often require journeys on predominantly drive in urban areas the
emit lower levels of harmful faster roads to help ‘burn off’ soot opportunity to drive on a charged battery
nitrogen oxide emissions than that can accumulate in the filter. alone (in effect be ‘zero emissions
diesels. This can make them a Would-be buyers of diesels should capable’) while also being safe in the
more appealing choice for shorter, also ask if their vehicle is ‘Clean Air knowledge that should they need their
urban journeys while also a Zone’ (ULEZ in London) standard vehicle for longer journeys, the internal
reliable, if less fuel-efficient choice, compliant. combustion engine will kick in and allay
for longer motorway journeys. any concerns about the vehicle’s range.
A number of recent controversies
Would-be buyers of petrol vehicles over diesel manufacturers and the It’s important to note these cars tend to
should ask whether the vehicle is health impact of diesel emissions have smaller fuel tanks.
‘Clean Air Zone’ (Ultra Low have seen these cars fall sharply in In 2019, 7% of drivers say they plan to
Emission Zone, or ULEZ, in London) popularity: this year, only 15% of buy a plug-in hybrid as their next car,
compliant, though most petrols motorists say they will buy a diesel the same proportion as recorded in
registered after September 2005 next, down from 18% in 2018 and 2018.
are currently not likely to be subject 28% as recently as 2016.
to charges. Pure battery electric vehicles - Though
Conventional hybrid (battery these types of cars often carry a higher
This year’s Report on Motoring assisted) – This type of vehicle is initial price when compared to their
found that petrol cars are the likely often the choice of private hire conventional equivalents, they are
next-vehicle option for 48% of companies because of low urban cheaper to run, carry no tax costs and
drivers, down from 52% in 2018 but running costs and no requirement are quiet and clean, which is perfect for
still the most popular choice. to plug-in. These cars tend to be the city driver. Research for the 2019
Diesel vehicle – modern diesel cars lower emitting because, in addition RAC Report on Motoring shows drivers
are renowned for their fuel to a petrol or diesel engine, they would like an average range of 375 miles
efficiency on longer journeys, can be powered at low speeds by a before purchasing an EV, and the reality
especially those on motorways and battery. These often carry lower is most EVs do not have that level of
major A-roads where average annual tax but overall are higher battery range yet. For longer journeys,
speeds are far higher. Drivers that emitting than many plug-in models EV owners will probably need to charge
typically do these sorts of journeys, on the market. their vehicles at a service area during
can save on fuel costs throughout their journeys.
Recent years have seen a steady
the year with a diesel. increase on the part of drivers to While pure electric cars remain a
However, diesel engines tend to consider a conventional hybrid as minority option, there has in the past 12
operate less efficiently on urban their next vehicle purchase: the months been a notable increase – from
roads and emit higher levels of rate has risen to 21% this year from 3% to 6% – in the proportion of drivers
harmful nitrogen oxide pollution. 17% in 2018. who say they intend to buy such a
vehicle next.
52 karolis kavolelis/shutterstock.com
536
Driving
into
the future
Britain’s drivers are showing some
signs they are starting to embrace
the new breed of low- and zero-
emission electric vehicles being
developed by manufacturers,
research for the Report on
Motoring has found. >
PP77LSK/shutterstock.comRAC Report on Motoring 2019 6 Driving into the future
6 Driving into the future
This year’s Report on Motoring also But to what extent are lower The average motorist, however, It is not surprising that motorists in
shows there is some support emission models on the radar of does not expect to acquire their first London – where concerns about
among drivers for possible changes today’s motorists? The number of pure electric vehicle until 2030, and emissions are higher, incomes are
to be introduced to the tax system drivers who say they plan to buy an only 1% of the motoring population higher and charging points are
to reflect the growing uptake of electric car next has doubled this owns such a car at the moment. more prevalent – are far more likely
electric cars – as well as to help year, the 2019 Report shows. to intend to buy an ultra-low
The high upfront price of electric
tackle congestion. Motorists, emission car next (26% say they
Six per cent of motorists, the cars compared to similar-sized
however, have significant concerns plan to do so versus a national
equivalent of more than two million conventional vehicles is still a
about changes currently being average of 15%). Recent increases
people, intend to buy a pure electric barrier to widespread take-up, but
made to the UK’s strategic road in the capital in charges and
battery-powered car when their concerns about vehicle range and
network as the Government penalties for using older diesels
existing vehicle needs to be nationwide availability of recharging
expands its smart motorway plans and petrols may also be playing a
replaced. This proportion increases points are now, in reality, becoming
to increase future capacity. part here.
to 15% who say they plan to buy lesser issues despite drivers’
some form of zero or ultra-low perceptions.
6.1 Electric vehicles: the start of a emission vehicle next – including
6%
revolution? pure-electric, plug-in hybrids and
The way the vehicles we drive are hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. In 2018,
powered is undergoing a sea- the rate was 12%.
change. Encouraged by
And there is an increased
technological developments on the of motorists, the equivalent of more
willingness, up to 21% from 17%, to
part of manufacturers – driven, in than two million people, intend to buy
buy conventional hybrids, which use a pure electric battery-powered car
the EU at least, by requirements on
a combination of a traditional when their existing vehicle needs to be
carmakers to cut CO2 and nitrogen replaced
combustion engine and a battery
oxide emissions – as well as more
charged by the engine.
general concerns about climate
change and air quality, there is a
movement towards vehicles with no
tailpipe emissions at all.
There will probably be a point at which the public
in general starts to see electric vehicles as a genuinely
viable alternative, but these findings suggest that point
is still some way off at the moment.”
Mike Quinton
Chief Executive, IAM Roadsmart
56 alexLMX/shutterstock.com
57RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 6 Driving into the future
see pages 80-83
6 Driving into the future
6.2 Are drivers ready for road Such an approach also has the It is interesting that there appears to be such a
pricing? potential to address problems high level of acceptance for pay-per-mile taxation, yet
Britain’s move towards greater around congestion and even politically no one at the moment would dare to
ownership of cleaner vehicles has pollution: a large number of propose such a policy.”
the potential to create a problem motorists (43%) say that being
Graeme Paton, Transport Correspondent,
for the Treasury, which is currently taxed by the mile driven would lead
The Times
estimated to make around £40 them to cut out some shorter car
billion in tax from UK drivers each journeys.
year, and £28 billion12 from fuel
Meanwhile, this year has seen a
duty alone.
decline – from 35% to 30% – in the
As cars use less fuel and more proportion of motorists who would
electricity, the Government expects be willing to pay per mile if such a
the revenues it receives from policy was introduced to replace
drivers to fall significantly in the some existing taxes. And, a clear
coming years. So, what are its majority – 75% – say they are
options to maintain current concerned that the Government
revenues – and is there an would use the introduction of
opportunity for a new, possibly pay-per-mile taxation to actually
fairer, means of taxing drivers in increase the overall tax burden
the future? placed on motorists.
This year’s Report on Motoring
75%
tested some ideas with UK drivers.
Almost half of all drivers (49%)
agree that the more someone
drives, the more they should pay in
tax, while 56% agree with the say they are concerned that the
principle of moving away from Government would use the introduction of
imposing duty on fuel as more pay-per-mile taxation to actually increase
the overall tax burden placed on motorists
electric vehicles come on to the
roads.
England’s only
motorway toll road: the
M6 Toll in the Midlands
12. https://obr.uk/forecasts-in-depth/tax-by-tax-spend-by-spend/fuel-duties/
58 peter_fleming/shutterstock.com
59RAC Report on Motoring 2019 RAC Call to Action: 6 Driving into the future
see pages 80-83
6 Driving into the future
6.3 Running the risk: safety and Most drivers (70%) worry they
smart motorways would be unable to reach the next
The way our motorways operate is SOS area – which could be up to
changing. Hundreds of miles of 1.6 miles (2.5km) away – in the
motorways in England are being event of mechanical failure.
transformed into what are called However, 53% are confident
smart motorways or more Highways England would be able
recently ‘digital roads’ – where an to detect and assist a stationary
additional lane is introduced to vehicle that could not reach an
increase capacity. Gradually, SOS area.
drivers will be using motorways
Only half of drivers (50%) say they
that feature no hard shoulder at
know what to do if they break
all – known as ‘all lane running’
down on a smart motorway and
smart motorways – which instead
are unable to reach a refuge area.
have SOS areas every 1-1.6 miles
apart. Six in every 10 drivers (60%) say
they often see speed limits on
This year’s Report quizzed
smart motorways reduced for no
motorists on their experience of
apparent reason, although most
and views on ‘all lane running’
(54%) have confidence in the
– 77% of drivers, the equivalent of
accuracy of electronic signs in
30 million people, have
general.
experience on such roads – and
found a considerable level of Finally, around half of motorists
concern about the potential – 52% – agree that smart
impact of breakdowns or motorways are a cost-effective
accidents on safety and way to increase capacity on
congestion. congested motorways, with 14%
disagreeing.
For example, 76% of motorists
think a breakdown on an ‘all lane
running’ motorway leads to
76%
increased congestion, while 68%
believe the removal of the hard
shoulder compromises safety to
some extent.
of motorists think a breakdown
on an all lane running motorway
leads to increased congestion
60 jason winter/shutterstock.com
617
Then
and now
Are times changing
for the worse?
Increasing congestion and growing
levels of rudeness and impatience
by other road users mean that
driving has never been more
stressful. >
lenscap photography/shutterstock.comYou can also read
