IAM Research Condemns Artificially Low Speed Limits

An IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) poll has found that the majority of drivers want to comply with speed limits, but find it difficult.

Nearly 90 per cent of the 3,000 respondents to the online poll said they aim to comply with the speed limit but 60 per cent admitted that they found it difficult to keep within the limits.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: “It’s good to know most people want to stay within the law when it comes to speeding, but too many seem to find it challenging. The results suggest that people are aware of the limit and don’t want to break it, but temptation and pressure from other traffic may push them to go faster.”

The most popular factor leading respondents to speed was disagreement with imposed limits on certain roads (57 per cent of respondents who admit to speeding), while police presence was the most effective deterrent, with 40 per cent of speeders claiming to be put off. Only ten per cent cited safety cameras as the biggest deterrent.

“There is a discrepancy between drivers’ perception of the correct speed and the posted limits imposed by authorities. Further training helps improve driver perception and teaches motorists about appropriate speeds, but the government should also ensure the current review of speed limits results in roads visually fitting their limit - if we can get the limits right it is clear that many more drivers will stick to them,” added Mr Greig. 

“The poll confirms the view of road safety professionals: it’s vital that imminent public spending cuts don’t compromise high profile road policing.” The poll also found that seven per cent of respondents “don’t even think about” whether they are breaking the limit, while conscience deters 17 per cent from speeding.

The 3,052 respondents to the poll (18 August – 18 September) were made up of IAM members, non-members and associate members

When asked on what type of road they be most likely to speed, 58 per cent of respondents said they would be most likely speed on motorways, 20 per cent on rural roads, 4 per cent in towns, and 18 per cent would not speed regardless of the road.

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