I'm working with Tescos Motor Insurance as an independent road safety expert. I'm doing 16 joint interviews with Allan Burns (described as 'Head of Tesco Car Insurance'). They have not asked me to say anything or not say anything (and if they had I may have refused).
They are launching these survey results:
Speed cameras breeding cynical drivers
now at odds with their conscience
Anti speeding measures on UK roads may be creating a backlash among law-abiding motorists breeding a nation of cynical drivers who are increasingly at odds with their conscience, according to a new study published today.
The second annual Drivers Attitudes Survey conducted on behalf of Tesco Car Insurance has uncovered a growing unrest among motorists with one in six UK drivers (16%) now reluctantly considering buying a speed camera detector.
However, despite the shift in attitude towards using in-car detectors most drivers are struggling with the principles of their use, with over half (51%) believing they play a large part in keeping irresponsible drivers on the road.
The impulse to protect their own licence seems to stem from a lack of faith in the camera's ability to keep the roads safe in the way they would like. Over a third of motorists (38%) feel they do nothing to help road safety and are purely a revenue generator. Only a minority (17%) say they play a significant safety role.
Allan Burns, head of Tesco Car Insurance comments: “British motorists have always been honest and vocal when asked about their feelings towards the increase in the number of speed cameras. But it's worrying that many now feel they are struggling to balance the desire for safer roads with the impulse to protect their own licence."
The growing cynicism might also be fuelled by the impact that penalty points earned via speed cameras are having on a motorist's costs. Currently nearly one in five drivers (19%) has at least three points on their licence compared to one in seven (15%) in 2003, with over a third (36%) experiencing higher insurance premiums as a result.
Worryingly, one in ten drivers with points on their licence admits to not telling their insurer about them.
Burns continues: "Motorists are clearly disenchanted with speed control initiatives and seem to feel that they simply create more problems for responsible drivers rather than making roads safer. However, we would urge all motorists to be honest with their insurer and tell them about any points they have on their licence. Failing to do so can have serious repercussions as some insurers might view this as fraud."
Other findings from the Tesco Drivers Attitudes Survey:
The majority of drivers (83%) want the speed limit near schools lowered to 20mph
A quarter of all motorists (26%) want points for speeding wiped from licences after 12 months.
One in ten want speeding points removed after six months.
Over 60% want the motorway speed limit raised to at least 80mph
More than double the numbers of motorists think that drink drivers (37%) are the biggest danger to UK motorists rather than speeding drivers (15%).
Burns concludes: "Motorists are telling us that they are responsible and well intentioned but feeling frustrated. While some might understand motorists' feelings we would always urge reliance upon self restraint rather than on in -car detectors to keep our roads safe."
For further information, please contact:
Monica McCormack, Tesco Personal Finance,
0131 523 5533 –
monica.mccormack@tescopf.com
Stuart Neill, Tesco Personal Finance,
0131 523 9013 -
stuart.neill@tescopf.com
Notes to Editors:
Survey conducted by Marketing Sciences during August 2005. Surveying over 2000 motorists holding a full UK driving licence
Regional splits available on request.
Tesco is one of the top 5 motor insurers in the UK with over 1.4m drivers insured
Tesco Car Insurance is provided and underwritten by UK Insurance Limited.
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