Industry News from Yes Insurance

Researchers from the University of Reading have discovered that the behaviour which narks more Brits than anything else is speeding motorists.

Over 40 per cent of those polled believed that speeding was a big or a fairly big problem in their area. Furthermore, 85 per cent of respondents felt travelling immediately above the speed limit on residential roads was "unacceptable behaviour".

The study's authors, Dr Damian Poulter and Professor Frank McKenna from the university's psychology department, said they were surprised by the results.

"It would appear that we have greatly underestimated the degree of public concern over speeding. In comparison to concerns such as intimidation, vandalism, harassment, disruptive neighbours, drunkenness and drugs, speeding is the number one concern," commented Prof McKenna.

Thames Valley police, which originally called for the study, said that the results justified their recent tough stance on speeding criminals.

Malcolm Collis, head of the specialist units within Thames Valley police roads policing department, commented: "The driving force behind this is our determination to reduce the numbers of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"We will continue to carry out speed enforcement and promote our driver improvement diversion scheme, to help people through education stay safe on our roads."

Public support for law enforcement was also high, reaching 80 per cent. The researchers believed this was because they wanted safer roads and less accidents which in turn could lower their car insurance premium.

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