The condition of local roads, insurance and petrol costs have been named among the things which most annoy drivers. The RAC’s 2024 Report on Motoring lists several issues that have become a top concern for drivers this year.
With issues ranging from the state of roads in the country to costs of owning a car and behaviour of other drivers, the list is extensive. According to the RAC, these were the top concerns for drivers across the UK during 2024:
Condition and maintenance of local roads
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A majority of the drivers, at 56%, said that the condition and maintenance of local roads was a top concern for them in 2024, up from 49% in 2023. The level of concern for this issue was the highest ever recorded, since it was first recorded 10 years ago, according to the RAC. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
Cost of insuring a vehicle
The cost of insurance for vehicles was the second most widespread concern for drivers with 35% of the drivers reporting it as their top concern, up from 20% in 2023. This was higher for drivers aged between 17-24, as 44% for them cited it as their top concern.
Cost of fuel
The cost of fuel was the top concern for 32% of the drivers this year, which was down from 42% in 2023. However, it was still the third most widespread concern amongst drivers.
Poor standard of other motorists’ driving
Concern about the poor standard of driving by other motorists saw a slight fall in 2024 with 29% listing it as their top concern, from 31% in 2023. However, it was still the fourth most widespread concern amongst drivers.
Cost of maintaining and repairing my vehicle
Drivers’ concerns about the cost of maintaining and repairing their vehicle has remained stable, with 23% listing it as their top concern in both 2024 and 2023.
Drivers using handheld mobile phones while driving
The drivers’ concern about drivers using handheld mobile phones while driving has seen a slight fall but has remained largely stable with 22% of the drivers reporting it as their top concern compared to 23% in 2023.
Aggressive behaviour of other drivers
Drivers are less concerned about aggressive behaviour from other drivers this year as 20% reported it as their top concern, as compared to 21% in 2023.
Traffic congestion/slower journey times
Behaviour of cyclists on the road
Drivers breaking traffic laws
All of these concerns were equally reported as a top concern by 18% of the drivers in 2024, and were the eight most widespread issues. Concern regarding traffic congestion/slower journey times has fallen from 19% in 2023. Whereas, it has fallen from 20% in 2023 for concerns regarding behaviour of cyclists on the road, and drivers breaking traffic laws.
Safety of smart motorways
People driving vehicles without tax or insurance
Condition and maintenance of motorways and dual carriageways
All of the above concerns were equally reported as a top concern by 16% of the drivers, making them the 11th most reported concerns by drivers. The concerns for safety of smart motorways fell this year as 20% reported it as their top concern in 2023. Similarly, concern about people driving vehicles without tax or insurance also fell, as 17% of drivers reported it as their top concern in 2023. However, concern about condition and maintenance of motorways and dual carriageways has risen from 11% in 2023 to 16% this year.