AA-YONDER DRIVER POLL 2024

January 2024

February 2024

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

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Yonder summary June 2024

The June AA-Yonder survey ran between 13 June and 1 July 2024 and received 11,279 responses

Driver mishaps

We opened June’s survey by asking AA panel members if they have ever mis-read a road sign and if so, what were the consequences (from a list of options). With over three-quarters admitting to having misread a road sign, over half said they have got into the wrong lane (60%) or taken a wrong direction (52%).

Just under a third (30%) reported they have become lost; this was higher among women (35%) and those newer to driving aged 18-24 (39%).

We went on to ask respondents, if they have ever driven over anything without realising it was there. A large proportion (86%) have driven through a pothole without realising.

Just over two in five (43%) have driven through standing water or a puddle and over a quarter (29%) through debris in the road and over or on a kerb (27%).

Around one in ten of AA panel members (8%) stated they have never driven over anything without realising it was there.

Smart motorway breakdowns

We then asked respondents to imagine their vehicle developed a fault, from a provided list, whilst travelling in lane 1 on a smart motorway (motorway with no continuous hard shoulder) and the action they would take depending on the fault.

From the list of faults provided, almost four in five reported they would stop in lane 1 for a total loss of power (77%), followed by smoke from the bonnet (47%) and a tyre blow out (45%).

A large majority would continue until they find an emergency area (EA) if a red warning light came on (72%), noises from under the vehicle (63%), the steering wheel shaking (61%). With half seeking an EA for smoke from the exhaust (50%).

Over a third of AA Panel members would continue to the next exit / motorway service area if the driver window was stuck down (50%), for an amber warning light (46%), if the windscreen wiper failed (38%) or if there was smoke from the exhaust (33%).

E-scooters

Last month’s survey revealed that moderate to high level of e-scooters are used on roads and pathways. AA Panel Members were asked their personal usage of these vehicles; the majority (72%) stated there is absolutely no way they would ever use an e-scooter. This was higher among females (76%) and those aged over 65 (81%).

A quarter (24%) would be willing to try an E-scooter, but hadn't actually been on one, while a very small minority of respondents have actually tried an e-scooter (2% from a hire scheme and 1% have tried a private e-scooter).

Car Purchase decisions

We then asked respondents if they had the full amount of money for a car available, how they would pay for the vehicle. Four in five (79%) would pay the full amount up front. Less than one in ten would pay a deposit up front and the rest on finance (3% would pay a 25% deposit or a 50% deposit. 2% would pay a 75% deposit or pay the full amount on finance).

When asked about their car purchasing plans, 82% said they are not looking to buy a car. Only 6% are actively looking to buy one. Meanwhile, 4% want to buy a car but have delayed for up to a year, 3% have delayed for one to two years, and 5% have delayed for over two years.

Driving instructor training

The next section explored driving instructor training, as over the last few years many people have reconsidered their future goals and careers. Interest in driving tuition has increased as people are looking to retrain as driving instructors.

We asked respondents how much they thought it costs to train to become a driving instructor. On average, panel members believed it costs £5,000 to train, however only one in ten were correct in stating between £1,001 and £2000 (9%) with the actual costs being £1,499.

We then asked how long they think it takes to train to become a driving instructor. On average, panel members believed it took around 8 months. However, you could be earning as a trainee instructor from 3 months. A third believed it took 4-6 months (34%) and a quarter (26%) believed it took 1-3 months.

L and P Plates

The last section of the survey investigated attitudes towards cars who displayed L and P plates.

An L plate indicates a learner driver is under supervision. Nine in ten agreed they leave more space in front if they are following a car being driven by someone learning to drive (89%).

Two thirds also agreed they would be more likely to give way to a learner car (67%) particularly older drivers over 65 (72%).

Three in ten (30%) agreed they would avoid parking next to a learner car. While a quarter would be more likely to overtake a learner car (25%).

The majority would not tailgate new drivers (89%). Whilst over three in five would not get impatient with them (64%) or change their route to avoid them (62%).

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Yonder summary May 2024

Our May survey ran between 21 and 29 May 2024 and received 13,469 responses

Motorway service stations

We opened May’s survey by asking AA panel members about their favourite motorway service station. The most mentioned service station was Tebay services on the M6 in Cumbria. Other frequently mentioned service stations were Warwick services on the M40, Gloucester services on the M5, Norton Canes Services (M6), Taunton Deane services (M5) and Killington Lake services on the M6.

When asked to imagine driving and the next service station coming up was one respondents disliked, one quarter (23%) would deliberately drive past this service station to get to a more preferable one if they or someone else in the car was hungry. One in five (19%) would drive past if they are someone else was thirsty or if they or someone else needed the toilet (18%).

Fuel savings

With the transition from winter to spring motoring, cars should become more fuel-efficient. Warmer starts and less use of wipers, heaters and lights puts less demand on the engine and therefore reduces fuel consumption. We asked AA panel members whether they had noticed a difference in fuel consumption.

A quarter of respondents (24%) said they don’t or cant measure the fuel consumption of their car so wouldn’t know if their car is more fuel efficient. A similar proportion (26%), said that spring motoring isn’t having any noticeable impact on their fuel consumption. A small few of those surveyed have noticed an impact - gaining extra miles per gallon from spring motoring (13%).

Private Parking Notices

We then asked respondents, if in the last 12 months, they have received a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) from a private parking company (e.g. ParkingEye, NCP, Euro Parking).

Of those that did receive a PCN from a private parking company, more than a quarter (27%) said they knew they were in the wrong, so paid it straight away. A similar proportion (23%) said they successfully appealed at the first stage.

Over one in then (11%) respondents said they weren’t sure if they were in the wrong but ended up paying the fine anyway.

Littering

This section asked respondents about the amount of litter on the roads and surrounding areas they have encountered lately.

Worryingly, half of those surveyed (52%) said they are noticing more litter on British streets. Two in four (39%) said they have seen no difference in the amount of litter.

Respondents from the East and West Midlands, have noticed significantly more litter (56%) when compared to other regions in the UK.

Littering from vehicles is a serious issue but can be difficult to prosecute if a local authority can't identify the individual responsible. Six years ago local councils were given powers to issue a civil penalty notice to the vehicle's registered keeper even though the keeper may not have thrown the litter and, indeed, may not have been driving at the time.

Three fifths think it is unfair that the registered keeper is not able to name the passenger or driver (if someone else is driving) responsible for throwing the litter so that the right person gets the fine (61% and 60%, respectively).

When asked if companies should pay the penalty rather than individuals in cases where litter is branded and the company can be identified (e.g. burger, chicken, coffee chains etc), almost a quarter (22%) think companies should be fined.

Summer event travel

We then asked respondents if they are considering attending any events this summer such as the Euros in Germany, Olympics in Paris, Glastonbury and Wimbledon etc. The majority of those asked were not considering attending any event or weren’t sure yet (84% ).

Of those that are considering attending any of the listed summer events, the main mode of transport to get there will be via car (71%). One in five plan to travel by train (18%).

Car Purchase Overspend

When it came to purchasing or leasing a new car, the majority of respondents have never overspent what they intended to and stuck within their budget (78%). Almost a quarter (22%) said they had leased or bought a car that was more expensive than what they originally intended.

We then asked those who did overspend what the reason for overspending was. A third (34%), were motivated by the cars unique features. For some it was their dream car (19%) and for others it was some retail therapy – to cheer themselves up (12%).

E-scooters

We ended our May survey with a number question on E-scooters

Following the Government's recent decision to extend the trial of e-scooters hire schemes for a further two years, we asked AA panel members how often they encounter e-scooters when driving and when walking on the pavements.

Over half our panel indicated they encounter E-scooters on the road, with almost a fifth (18%) saying the encounters were regular.

When walking on pavements, almost two-thirds of our members said they encounter E-scooters, with over a fifth (21%) saying the encounters were regular.

We then asked respondents how they felt about e-scooters on British roads and pavements. Two in five were initially concerned by the presence of e-scooters on the road (42%) and pavements (41%) and remain so.

A similar proportion (41%) are adamantly against their use on pavements especially when compared to roads (38%).

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Yonder summary April 2024

Our April survey ran between 15 and 23 April 2024 and received 13,836 responses

Auto vs Manual

We opened April’s survey by asking AA panel members about their thoughts on automatic cars.

A third of AA panel members (34%) find automatic cars much easier to drive and almost a quarter (23%) said that their next car would be an automatic car. Despite this, one in ten (11%) would never consider buying an automatic car.

When it came to safety, a larger proportion of respondents felt safer driving a manual car (21%) in comparison to an automatic car (10%).

Those living in London (29%) and Northern Ireland (31%) were more likely than the average to buy an automatic car as their next car.

Personal finance

We then asked respondents some questions about credit ratings.

Almost two-fifths (37%) have never had a problem with having a poor credit rating, a third revealed they don’t know what their current credit rating is (32%).

One in ten (10%) shared their credit rating has gotten better in the last year, whereas only a small proportion of those surveyed (2%) has said their credit rating has gotten worse in the last year due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Tyre age

It’s important for drivers to know the age of the tyres, as over time car tyres can wear out and will eventually need changing. In order to find out the age of tyres, you must look at the 4 digit number code on the tyre. The first pair of numbers is the week of manufacture, and the second pair of numbers is the year of manufacture.

We then asked respondents if they knew where to find the build date of a vehicle’s tyres. Half of the drivers (53%) surveyed said they expect to find it somewhere on the tyre.

Over one in ten (13%) would expect this to be checked as part of a MoT, or would rely on their garage to tell them (8%).

Driving in mainland Europe

This section asked respondents about driving abroad.

Before setting off abroad, the majority of respondents (82%) agreed that it is important to check the local rules of the road before going abroad to reduce the risk of a fine/accident.

Almost half (48%) of the drivers we surveyed agreed that they are confident driving in a foreign country, whereas a third (31%) avoid driving abroad.

We then asked respondents about driving into mainland Europe and how they would prefer to travel if they were to take their own car with them. More than a third (35%) would not consider taking their car out of the UK, particularly women (41%) and those aged 65+ (42%).

We asked respondents about their experiences of driving their own vehicle in Mainland Europe. Of those that have driven in Europe previously, three in ten (30%) are generally confident driving in Europe.

More than a quarter think that the roads are in a much better condition in comparison to the roads in the UK (26%).

Zero alcohol drinks

There has been a significant growth in the zero/low alcohol sector, with more alcohol free versions available for popular alcoholic drinks. Amongst AA panel members, a considerable proportion (61%) would choose a soft/hot drink over a zero-alcohol free version of an alcoholic drink option.

Despite this, a third (33%) already consume alcohol free drinks when they’re the designated driver or take alcohol free drinks with them when driving to see family and friends (28%).

A further third (33%) have alcohol free drinks at home for themselves and guests and a similar proportion said they sometimes choose to have an alcohol-free drink even when having the freedom to have alcohol (32%).

The most popular places to have tried alcohol free beer was at a pub/bar (57%), followed by in their own home (50%). A quarter (26%) tried it at a family/friend’s house.

When it came to driving, the majority of respondents (83%) agreed that with the wide range of zero alcohol drinks available, there should be no excuse for drink driving.

In car entertainment preferences

When driving alone, respondents listen to DAB radio (51%) or their own playlists and albums (39%) to enhance their driving experience. Less than a third listen to analogue radio (31%) and one fifth (21%) listen to their own device through car infotainment.

We then asked respondents about what they do when listening to the music/radio, almost half turn it down to concentrate (48%), less than a third turn it down to park (31%). Less than one-fifth turn it down when close to home (18%).

Parking preferences

We then asked drivers about their parking preferences. We gave respondents a list of different parking spaces and most respondents said they are happy to park in the following places:

• A parking space where you have to reverse park/drive out (87%)
• A parking space where you have to forward park/reverse exit (84%)
• A town centre multi-story car park where you need to navigate tight spaces (ramps, pillars etc) (77%)
• A street where you need to parallel park (77%)

More than two-fifths are happy to park on a street where you have to park in heavy traffic condition(43%), but a similar proportion would try to find an alternative (46%).

Climate control preferences

To finish off this month’s survey, we asked respondents about the temperature they have in their car during the different seasons.

In the spring / summer months, almost two-fifths (39%) keep their car temperature between 16-20 degrees. Less than this keep it at lower temperatures of around 5-10 degrees (16%) or 11-15 degrees (15%).

Around the autumn / winter months, a similar proportion (41%) keep their car temperature between 16-20 degrees and a under a third (31%) keep it at 21-25 degrees.

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Yonder summary March 2024

We ran our March survey between 11 and 18 March 2024 and we received 12,723 responses.

Reasons for learning to drive

We opened our March motoring survey by asking our members who drive what their primary motivation was to learn.

Gaining more independence and not relying on others for a lift was the main reason for two in five (42%) of those surveyed.

This reason was particularly high amongst women when compared to men (55% vs 36% of men) and younger respondents aged 18-24 and 25-34 (51%).

Almost one in five (17%) learnt to drive because they love cars and enjoy driving and a similar proportion (16%) believe learning to drive felt like a rite of passage they had to go through.

We then asked what may have delayed respondents learning to drive as soon as they were old enough, more than a quarter were delayed due to financial reasons (27%), this included cost of lessons, costs of buying and running a car.

Think Bikes

Next we asked our driving panel to select from a list of options, the statements that best described their experiences with cyclists and motorcycles on the road.

The majority of respondents (97%) always try to give cyclists plenty of room when passing them. Respondents also agreed that cyclists (95%) and motorcyclists (93%) are vulnerable road users and they always give them space when driving.

Nine in ten respondents said they always look out for cyclists (92%) and motorcyclists (89%), despite being hard to see sometimes - in particular cyclists (89%).

Seven in ten of those surveyed believe cyclists are inconsiderate (68%) and are often surprised when a cyclist (64%) or motorcyclist (60%) appears from nowhere. The drivers we surveyed felt motorcyclists were more considerate in comparison to cyclists, with only two-fifths (38%) believing motorcyclists were inconsiderate.

Half of our respondents who drive said large groups of cyclists make them nervous, and 15% admitted to losing their temper and shouting or using hand gestures at a cyclist.

However, two in ten reported that a cyclist had lost their temper with them (20%).

Parking

We asked respondents if in the last 12 months, if their car has been damaged whilst parked in a car park. Half of those surveyed (51%) said their car has never been damaged in a car park, whilst two-fifths (42%) said they have found a dent or scratch on their car caused by someone else in a car park.

When it came to the topic of parking in places where one is not entitled to park, over a quarter (26%) revealed they have parked on a double yellow line when they were not supposed to. One in ten drivers we asked revealed parking in a residents parking bay (12%) and in a family/child bay (11%).

The government is considering making changes to the rules around pavement parking in England, we asked respondents what they think is the best way to resolve the problem of parking on pavements.

One in five (20%) think there should be a national ban pavement parking across England similar to the one that is currently applied in London. Fewer than this (16%) don’t think there should be a national ban, but allow council traffic wardens to fine for "unnecessary obstruction of the pavement" to tackle the worst cases of pavement parking.

Almost three in ten (27%), said there should be a nationwide ban on pavement parking, but get councils to carry street by street assessments.

A quarter (24%) thought there should be no national ban but allow individual councils to decide how and where to implement pavement parking restrictions.

Haggling for a used car

Next we asked respondents how they feel about haggling with a dealer over the price of a used car. A third said (31%) they always haggle, Whereas, one in ten (10%) don’t feel confident haggling.

One in seven (14%) said they would haggle only if they felt that the car was overpriced and believed that dealers should always be open to negotiating prices (14%).

May Bank Holidays

We asked AA members about their driving plans for the upcoming May Bank holidays and whether they plan to drive for numerous reasons listed, including to see family or friends, or driving to the coast or countryside or into town or the city centre. Of those who do plan to travel over the May bank holidays.

On Sunday 5th May, a quarter (24%) are planning to visit friends or relatives and 10% are planning to drive to the coast or countryside for leisure.

Two-fifths (19%) are planning to visit family and friends on Monday 6th of May, while three fifths (63%) where planning on going somewhere either not on the list, or they were undecided as to the destination.

Two-fifths (20%) are planning to drive to see family and friends on Sunday the 26th, whilst fewer (16%) will drive for the same reason on Monday the 27th.

Vehicle servicing

We asked our panel who drive a number of questions around car servicing and how important they feel it is, and how they go about getting it done.

The majority of respondents agreed their car is important to them, so getting it serviced at the correct time / mileage interval is important for peace of mind (83%).

Three in five (67%) AA panel members think it’s best to get their cars’ MOT and service done at the same time so that any faults are easily dealt with – with half actually doing so annually (47%).

Despite this, for some respondents it could be quite expensive to do both at the same time. As two in five (37%) think that keeping the MOT and the servicing separate helps to spread the costs of running a car.

Annoying driver behaviours

We rounded off the March 2024 survey by asking our members which behaviours they considered to be getting worse or improving.

Around half of AA panel members felt that most of the driving behaviours we asked them about were actually getting worse:

1. Tailgating (55%)
2. Speeding (53%)
3. Middle lane hogging (52%)
4. Overtaking on the left/inside (51%)
5. Road rage (46%)
6. Mobile phone use (44%)

Middle lane hogging and speeding were seen to be getting a lot worse according to three in ten respondents we asked.

In terms of improvement, almost two-fifths (17%) thought mobile phone use was the only behaviour to be improving.

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Yonder summary February 2024

We ran our members survey between 12 and 21 February 2024 and we received 12,432 responses.

Dazzle from traffic lights

In December, asked a question about drivers being blinded by vehicle head and brake lights (dazzling). Some members contacted us to say that they had been dazzled by traffic lights. So we opened this month’s survey asking panel members and drivers if this has happened to them.

Almost a third (31%) of those polled, said that they had experienced dazzling from traffic lights. Those aged 18-24 and 25-34 in particular, recall having been dazzled by traffic lights with two-fifths having experienced this (40% and 39%, respectively).

Home Insurance status

Next, we asked respondents about their home ownership status. The majority of those surveyed (81%) own their home outright or with a mortgage. We then asked all those who either own their home or who are renting, what kind of home insurance policy they have.

Overall, four in five (81%) have a buildings and contents insurance policy. This is highest amongst those aged 55-64 and 65+ (82% and 85%, respectively) and those who live in Northern Ireland (88%).

In London, the percentage of those with a buildings and contents insurance policy is notably lower compared to other regions, standing at 71%.

One in ten (10%) have a contents-only insurance policy, whilst fewer than this don’t have any type of home insurance (4%).

Automatic to manual driving tests

In the UK there are separate driving tests for automatic and manual cars. Learners who pass in automatics are not allowed to drive a manual car unless they take the whole test again in a manual vehicle (not including the theory). Learners who pass their test in a manual are allowed to drive automatics with no further testing. Electric vehicles have automatic transmissions, therefore anyone who chooses to learn and take their test in an EV takes the automatic driving test by default so cannot drive a manual car.

We asked our members if they thought this system should be updated

Half of those surveyed (50%) agree that learners who pass in an EV/ automatic should still have to take the full manual test if they want to drive a manual car.

Two in five (40%) agree there should be a short “bolt-on” test option to upgrade an automatic licence to a manual one if you pass in an EV.

Only a few respondents think there should be a scheme like “Pass Plus”, which does not have a test at the end but qualifies EV/automatic drivers to drive a manual car (7%).

Road casualty statistics

We asked our panel what they thought were the top three contributing factors for all casualties caused on Great British roads in 2022.

Travelling too fast for the conditions (76%) was the top reason chosen by respondents, followed by drivers using their mobile phones (42%). A driver/rider error or reaction (39%) and drivers behaviour or inexperience (39%) were the third top reasons given for casualties.

In fact, the top three contributory factors for casualties caused on Great British roads in 2022 were:

• Driver/Rider error or reaction
• Driver/Rider failed to look properly
• Behaviour or inexperience

Vehicle repairs and consumer rights

We asked our members if they had a problem with a used car in the first six months after purchase, which reasons, from a given list, would they consider going to the car dealership they bought it from to resolve.

Over half (52%) said they would would always go to the dealer, even for a small fault.

Almost a fifth (19%) said they would only return to the supplying dealer if the fault occurred within the first few months, and 15% of our respondents said they would only go to the dealer if it was a major fault.

Our members were then shown a list of considerations regarding dealerships, and asked which, if any, applied to them.

More than two-fifths (44%) of AA panel members indicated they would feel more confident buying a car from a dealership that is transparent about its complaint procedures. Whereas, over a fifth (22%) wouldn’t even think about a dealership's complaints procedures before purchasing.

Close to a quarter of respondents said they understand their consumer rights regarding issues when purchasing a car.

Driver frustrations

Respondents were then asked what driver behaviours they found to be the most annoying.

Driving with full beam lights on when passing other cars was the most annoying (89%), followed by drivers not pulling over for an emergency vehicle (86%) and then not stopping at pedestrian crossings (85%) and not using their indicators (85%).

We went on to ask what were the most irritating behaviours they encountered from other drivers whilst driving. The results were:

1. Tailgating (driving too close to the car in front) (34%)
2. Middle lane hogging (unnecessarily sitting in the middle lane of the motorway) (18%)
3. Talking on the mobile phone while driving (17%)

Easter travel

We next asked our members about their travel plans over the Easter holiday weekend.

About half of those asked (49%) didn't plan to travel on Good Friday. However, a quarter (25%) had plans to drive somewhere but have not decided where, and 13% are planning to drive to visit friends or relatives.

Similarly, on Saturday the 30th of March, two-fifths (44%) said they wouldn't be driving and just over a quarter (26%) will drive somewhere but are undecided and 13% will drive to visit friends or relatives.

On Easter Sunday, half (52%) don’t have any plans to drive. Of those that do, almost a quarter (23%) have not yet decided where they will go and 16% will drive to visit friends or relatives.

On Easter Monday, similar to the above, half wouldn't be driving (52%). More than a quarter (26%) of those who do plan to drive have not yet decided where and 11% will drive to visit friends or relatives.

Local elections

Turnout for local elections is typically 35.9% in England, as opposed to 67.3% in general elections. We asked our members about their local election voting behaviour.

The majority of those surveyed regularly vote in local elections, with almost four in five (78%) doing so.

Only 12% of respondents we asked said they rarely vote and 6% never vote in local elections.

Some local issues such as schools, hospitals and transport may individually have greater influence on local elections in specific areas. We asked those who rarely/never vote in local elections if they would be inspired to vote in a local election by specific issues impacting drivers.

Issues regarding the condition of roads (e.g. potholes) would inspire almost three in four to vote in a local election (69%). And the cost of parking in public car parks would inspire two in five to vote (42%) in a local election.

Residential parking costs

We wrapped up the February survey by presenting some statements about how the amount residents pay for parking permits should be decided, and asked which our members agreed with most.

Three in five (63%) respondents agree that residents' parking charges should only reflect the actual cost of providing and enforcing a Controlled Parking Zone, and more than half think that mileage (56%) and CO2 emissions (55%) should not be the basis on which the cost of a resident's parking permit is decided.

Half of those we surveyed (53%) agree that the cost of multiple parking permits should be the same for each vehicle in households with multiple vehicles.

A similar proportion (53%) think the length of the vehicle should be taken into account when deciding the cost of a parking permit.

A third (32%) agreed that the weight of a vehicle should be taken into account when deciding the cost of a parking permit, however, a similar proportion disagreed with this (33%).

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Yonder summary January 2024

We ran our members survey between 11 and 23 January 2024 and we received 11,983 responses.

Buying used cars

We started this month's survey by asking AA Panel members and drivers if they knew the definition of a list of words, they might find in a car finance application.

Respondents felt they knew what was meant by deposit (99%), personal loan (98%), credit check (98%), credit score (95%) and hire purchase (94%). Balloon payment (69%), loan to value (57%) and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) (52%) were less understood in comparison.

With the prices of electrical vehicles falling up to 13% in 2023, we asked if and how this would affect members decisions to buy a second-hand EV. Almost two-thirds (59%) said they have no intention of buying one.

• Of those who did, 16% would likely buy a used EV in the next 5 years if this trend continues.
• Less than one in ten (9%) would hold off buying an EV in case prices continue to fall.
• A similar proportion would buy a new one instead of a used one if they were to buy an EV (9%).

Moving Home 2024

The majority of those we surveyed (88%) are not planning to move home in 2024. Only 6% revealed that they are planning to move.

A garden (14%), off-street parking (13%), a garage (9%) and local amenities nearby (9%) are considered the top ‘must haves’ for those who are planning to move houses this year.

2024 Holiday Plans

One-third of those we surveyed (34%) said they are planning to have a holiday in the UK and plan to drive. Fewer than this (30%) said they are currently thinking about a trip within the UK but haven’t planned it.

One-fifth (20%) are planning to go somewhere in Europe but will not be driving their own vehicle there, whilst 19% are thinking about a trip to somewhere in Europe, but have nothing planned as yet.

Just over one in ten of those surveyed (13%) said they’re not having a holiday this year.

Helping Distressed Road Users

More people than usual are likely to experience mental health issues at this time of the year. We asked respondents what they would do if they encountered someone in distress at the side of the road.

More than a quarter (26%) would intervene by calling the emergency services and then approach with caution and offer assistance.

One-fifth (20%) said they would approach and offer assistance only and not call emergency services.

Men were more likely than women to not get the emergency services involved (21% vs 17% of women).

A similar proportion (19%) would call the emergency services immediately and wait for assistance to arrive without approaching, whereas, one in ten (10%) would just call the emergency services to alert them and not wait around.

Spare Tyres

Many vehicle manufacturers now include a tyre repair/inflation kit with their vehicles instead of a spare wheel. It seems having a spare wheel is quite important amongst AA panel members and drivers.

Almost half (49%) stated they would pay extra to have a spare wheel if one wasn’t included as standard.

Men were more likely to pay extra for this when compared to women (53% vs 39% of women).

Just over a third (35%) would hesitate to buy a car that didn’t have a spare wheel – men in particular, with 38% saying they would hesitate.

AA members and drivers don’t feel too confident using a tyre repair/inflation kit, with only 18% saying they would feel fine with a tyre inflation kit instead of a spare wheel, compared to 35% who said they wouldn’t feel confident using this type of kit.

Confidence was quite low amongst women, as under half (46%) of the women surveyed revealed they wouldn’t feel confident in using a tyre repair/inflation kit.

We then asked respondents if their vehicle has any tools to help them repair a punctured tyre. A third (32%) said they had a full-size spare in their car, 29% said they had a repair/inflation kit and 27% said they have a space saver wheel.

Driving Through Floods

As the UK has seen an increase in heavy flooding, we asked drivers what they would do if the road ahead was completely covered by standing flood water.

• A third (34%) said they are most likely to turn around and go another way.
• One-fifth (19%) said they would drive through only if the kerbs were still visible.
• Less than a fifth, (17%) would check the depth and drive through if less than 10cm deep.
• Whilst one in ten (11%) would wait and see if anyone else drives through first and follow them.

Insurance Premium Tax

In the budget planned for 6th March, the Chancellor may announce an increase in the standard rate of insurance premium tax (IPT). The standard rate of IPT is currently 12%.

We asked respondents which statements they think are true or false:

The majority thought (96%) thought ‘IPT is currently levied on car insurance’ to be true. Just under nine in ten (88%) also thought 'IPT is currently levied on home insurance or travel insurance' (86%) to be true.

Half (55%) thought IPT being currently levied on breakdown cover to be false and about a third thought it being levied on life insurance was also false.

More than three quarters (78%) of respondents agreed that increasing the cost of essential insurance is unfair. 80% agreed that it would encourage more people to drive uninsured.

More than half (56%) think IPT should be cut in the budget, and more than a third (36%) believe IPT should not be applied for newly qualified drivers for the first two years of driving to make insurance more affordable for them.

General Election 2024

We then asked respondents to what extent transport and motoring-related policies influence them when considering voting in a general election.

Almost half (46%) of AA Panel members and drivers don’t consider transport motoring policies when deciding who to vote for.

However, a quarter (24%) said transport and motoring policies are in their top ten of issues.

Almost a third (31%) of those surveyed thought increased spending on local road maintenance (e.g. fewer potholes and better markings within residential areas) should be the government's top priority when it comes to motoring, followed by maintenance of major roads (22%).

With a general election to happen this year, more than two-thirds (69%) are concerned that motoring taxes (VED, fuel duty) will increase. The same proportion (69%) are concerned that motoring costs (road pricing, tolls, fuel, parking) will also increase following the election result.

And lastly, given that there is a lot of concern amongst drivers about increases in costs, we asked them which ideas affecting drivers would they consider to be good or bad.

Good ideas according to AA panel members and drivers are:

• Installing more Emergency Areas to motorways without hard shoulders (86%)
• Tougher sentences for offences such as causing death by dangerous driving (84%)
• Scrap existing All Lane Running smart motorways and reintroduce the hard shoulder (81%)
• Compulsory eyesight tests for drivers over 70 applying to renew a driving licence (76%)
• Introducing a graduated driving licence for newly qualified drivers (e.g. limiting the number of passengers for a certain period once they pass their test) (72%)
• Tougher penalties for traffic offences (e.g. speeding, drink driving) (68%)
• More traffic police (67%)

Bad ideas according to AA panel members and drivers included:

• Increased taxation on petrol and diesel vehicles (87%)
• Allowing the use of fully autonomous cars on public roads (driverless cars) (76%)
• Expanding the use of partially autonomous cars on public roads (66%)
• Charge drivers for using older/ more polluting vehicles in urban areas (57%)
• Prioritise rail and bus services over road improvements (50%)

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