Malcontent growing over lack of roads policing

MOTORISTS are not just frustrated by the lack of police presence on Britain’s roads – they now believe there is little chance of law-breakers being caught and prosecuted.

The RAC Report on Motoring 2014 reveals many motorists in 21st century Britain think there is little risk of being caught breaking the law at the wheel.

Two in five drivers (40%) believe anyone committing common offences such as texting at the wheel of either a moving or stationary vehicle, aggressive driving, tailgating, middle lane hogging on the motorway or undertaking would more than likely get away with it.

Disturbingly, half of motorists (51%) think it is unlikely drivers will ever get picked up for texting while stopped in traffic. In fact, only 18% believe motorists are likely to be taken to task with the rest (22%) uncertain as to whether they will or they won’t.

Only three in 10 motorists (29%) think drivers will get into trouble for texting on the move while 42% think it is unlikely. For the new offences of tailgating and middle lane hogging only a quarter (24%) and one in five (22%) respectively think motorists are likely to be pulled up by a traffic police officer.

RAC technical director David Bizley said: “Our research shows that millions of law-abiding motorists are frustrated with the reduction of traffic police and believe that the chances of drivers being pulled up for breaking the law are now minimal.

“Motorists are tired of constantly seeing other drivers breaking the law and getting away with it so it is hardly surprising that they want to see a greater police presence on our roads to enforce motoring legislation more effectively, which would also act as a genuine deterrent.”

By Press Association reporter