Drivers 'find it difficult to comply with speed limits'

Date: 28/9/2010

Most drivers intend to stick to speed limits but find it difficult to do so in reality, new research has found.

A study conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) revealed 90 per cent of motorists aim to comply with speed restrictions, but 60 per cent said they have trouble doing so.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at the IAM, commented: "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."

There is an inconsistency between what drivers perceive to be an appropriate speed and the limits imposed by the authorities, he continued.

The reason most cited by respondents for driving too fast was disagreeing with the speeding restriction, which was chosen by 57 per cent of those who admitted to breaking the limits.

Last week, a report carried out by Brake and Direct Line found the majority of motorists would like restrictions to be lowered on residential and rural roads, despite breaking limits themselves.

Posted by Mary Treen