Motorists’ growing dissatisfaction with the driving experience has crossed a tipping point with more than two-thirds (68%) now prepared to accept draconian measures to tackle congestion, new research reveals.
Motorists’ growing dissatisfaction with the driving experience has crossed a tipping point with more than two-thirds (68%) now prepared to accept draconian measures to tackle congestion, new research reveals.
They are prepared to do a deal with government on road pricing but their support depends on the terms offered in return - concessions on motoring taxes and improvements in public transport and the road network.
The RAC Report on Motoring 2006 - an annual in-depth index of the views of UK motorists - reveals:
- 79% of motorists perceive that congestion is getting steadily worse
- Support for the concept of road pricing has risen 6% in two years, reflecting increasing frustration with congestion (from 19% to 25%)
- Nearly half of motorists (44%) support a road pricing scheme using precise telematics technology.
The research suggests that motorists are clear about the deal they want: 67% require a trade off on motoring tax; 63% expect investment in existing roads and 43% say improvements in public transport are crucial. Telematics technology is also popular with motorists and extending its benefits to include other options such as in-car panic buttons could create a more positive reception for technology-led road pricing schemes.
Using the report findings, RAC is calling on the government to:
- Take positive action by offering financial trade-offs to motorists to make a persuasive case for road pricing
- Commit to improvements in public transport
- Work more closely with employers to improve workplace travel plans
- Lead the debate to mandate in-car technology and provide incentives to motorists to encourage take up
Debbie Hewitt, managing director RAC, comments: “Motorists are sending a clear signal to government that road pricing is a more palatable solution than it has been for the growing problem of congestion - but they are looking to strike a deal. Government must act now to seize this opportunity to win over road users. Motorists themselves are telling us that there is wide scope to gain their support but it is critical that policymakers adopt a fair basis for charging, review the impact on current motoring taxes and promote the technological benefits of a road pricing system for the idea to become a reality.”
Doing a deal
Critics suggest road pricing simply extracts more money from motorists. Over two thirds of motorists reveal that a financial trade-off on the motoring tax burden is crucial for any scheme to get off the ground.
The road network’s struggle to keep pace with congestion is a source of great frustration for motorists and potentially damaging for economic growth in the UK. In return for their support, nearly two thirds (63%) of motorists stress that money raised from road pricing must be reinvested to improve existing roads.
English regions have allocated 72% of their transport budgets to roads, with the East Midlands and South East directing as much as 95%1. However, the acceptability of road pricing will depend upon the provision of a reliable and affordable alternative. Improvements in public transport are also vital if the scheme is to prove successful.
Fair and square
The basis for charging under road pricing is uncertain with feasibility studies2 suggesting up to Ł1.34 a mile on the busiest roads at peak times. Motorists are in no doubt that to succeed, the scheme must be calculated on a fair basis. Two thirds (66%) believe that annual mileage is the most effective method.
In another strong message for Government, more than half (55%) of motorists consider that charges for using town centre roads are unfair. The same number also believe that higher charges during rush hour are unjust as do 57% of motorists when it comes to charging for motorway use.
Tempting technology
With global positioning systems likely to underpin any charging scheme, the report reveals that advanced technology presents an excellent opportunity for government in winning motorists round.
Road pricing would be received even more positively if the technology used also offered motorists a number of driver-friendly features. Anti-theft tracking is the most highly valued facility with 87% of motorists indicating they would like one. Other attractive features include re-routing gizmos to avoid hold-ups (80%), and a panic button that raises the alarm in an emergency (77%).
A full version of the report can be downloaded from www.racnews.co.uk.
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RAC Press office contact:
Chris Lauwerys or Sonia Clarke or at Lexis PR on 0207 908 6465 or 0207 908 6570
Jenny Chapman or Adam Cracknell at RAC Press Office on 01603 684224 or 01603 684916
Notes to editors:
1Road schemes steal from public transport in regional carve-up of transport funding: press release issued by Transport 2000, Friday 10 February 2006.
2 Taken from speech by former Transport Secretary Alistair Darling for the Social Market Foundation examining the need for road pricing and its potential benefits – 9 June 2005.
Morpace International interviewed 1,000 regular drivers (defined as driving at least once a month) face to face at home during January and February 2006 in the UK. The RAC Report on Motoring is an annual piece of in-depth research on the views of UK motorists. The report surveys and analyses the state of motoring today and provides a clear picture of how motorists view the numerous challenges of driving and possible solutions to them. Topics covered include congestion, technology, green motoring and road safety.
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.