RAC Report on Motoring 2016

RAC Report on Motoring 2016

Executive summary

With more than 38 million motorists in Great Britain 1 it is of vital importance that the country’s politicians, policymakers, transport authorities and motor industry take their views and concerns into account when planning for the future. The 2016 RAC Report on Motoring covers a wide range of topics, from hardy perennials such as the price of fuel and the state of both local and major roads, to more contemporary issues like the dangers of smartphone use and motorists’ views on the introduction of driverless vehicles. The Report is based on research conducted with a representative As ever, it reveals drivers’ current attitudes and concerns while also painting a picture of how and why car owners’ views are evolving over time. The key findings in the 2016 Report are as follows: sample of more than 1,700 motorists around the UK.

The poor condition of local roads is becoming an even bigger concern. When asked to identify their top concern, more motorists (14%) say the state and maintenance of local roads than any other matter. Local roads were also the most common top concern in 2015, but last year only 10% of respondents ranked this issue at number one. The increase in dissatisfaction is not a surprise: while ministers have pledged extra funds both for filling potholes and preventative maintenance, the Government’s own analysis suggests there is a multi-billion-pound backlog of repairs that is likely to take many years to be addressed 2 . There is strong support for Government funding to be ring-fenced for local road maintenance: 32% of motorists think this should be the UK’s top transport investment priority , while 80% think it should be a top-five priority. Indeed, almost half (45%) of drivers say they would be willing to pay higher levels of vehicle tax if the revenues were used to improve roads.

1. https://data.gov.uk/dataset/driving-licence-data 2. www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/443898/Productivity_Plan_web.pdf 6