Image: DfT
The majority of drivers believe the law on using mobile phones while driving is not being properly enforced, a Government survey suggests.
Published on 5 August, the National Travel Attitudes Study (NTAS) canvasses public attitudes about road safety, aiming to provide a comparison with actual behaviour.
Among the issues raised by the survey are drink and drug driving, speeding, roads policing and mobile phone usage.
In total, 62% of respondents believe all use of mobiles behind the wheel, including hands-free, is dangerous – while just 6% agreed it was safe to talk on a hand-held device.
However, there are concerns over enforcement – with 76% saying mobile phone laws are not properly enforced.
In terms of driving under the influence, the survey highlights a support for a zero tolerance approach.
A strong majority (81%) believe a driver should not get behind the wheel if they have drunk any alcohol – while 96% state someone who has taken illegal drugs should not drive any distance.
More than six in 10 (61%) say they know how much alcohol they can drink before being over the legal drink-drive limit.
On speeding, the survey shows disparity between those who believe it is safe to speed on different types of road.
A total of 82% say it is not safe to travel even slightly over the speed limit on residential streets – compared to 39% on motorways.
More people believe speed cameras are there to save lives (59%) than to make money (41%).
Over half (59%) prefer average speed cameras to fixed speed cameras.
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