Police cuts lead rise in antisocial motoring habits

Staff writer
Updated
A driver using a mobile phone and smoking while waiting at traffic lights in London.
A driver using a mobile phone and smoking while waiting at traffic lights in London.

Careless driving could be on the up due to a lack of traffic cops, a study has found. Research by the AA discovered that two thirds of drivers thought they could get away with careless motoring offences, including middle-lane hogging, eating at the wheel and tailgating.

These drivers felt there was 'no visible presence of police on local roads', leading to a sense of security when driving carelessly. Careless driving offences usually carry a £100 fine and three penalty points, but the subjective nature means they cannot be enforced by cameras and require a physical police presence.

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