‘Government has failed to keep promises to motorists’ – ABD survey

Alliance of British Drivers’ members have given the thumbs down to the coalition government’s record on drivers. When asked whether the government had kept its promise “to end the War on Motorists,” 75 per cent said it had failed and 24 per cent said it had only partially succeeded.

Recipients cited:

• Failure to increase the 70mph motorway limit
• Despite promises to the contrary, the proliferation of speed camera usage including the decision to introduce stealth cameras onto the motorway system.
• The continued unnecessary reduction in speed limits.
• The increased threat of a privatised road system and road tolls.
• No real progress on improving the condition of the roads
• The perception that Government still sees drivers as ‘cash cows’

With an election just weeks away, members were asked which party they trusted to deliver a fair deal for drivers, only 15 per cent trusted the Conservatives, 2 per cent trusted Labour, 1.5 per cent the Lib Dems and 28 per cent UKIP. Over 50 per cent didn’t trust any party to represent them.

ABD spokesman Nigel Humphries said: “The car is essential to the country’s economy and the lives of millions of people, creating opportunity and increasing quality of life. However, drivers are saying loud and clear that over the last 5 years, the Government has failed to keep its promise to end the war on motorists.

“Drivers are especially angered by the continual reduction of speed limits demanded by vested interest lobby groups. Road safety should be about improving poor drivers, not punishing good drivers.

“With the election just weeks away and with the prospect of another close result, perhaps political parties will come to regret not doing more for the nation’s 30 million licence holders.”