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26/04/2010
Policies put forward by the main political parties do not accurately reflect the concerns of motorists, according to the AA.
In a poll of 14,848 of the motoring organisation's members, 53% of respondents placed the cost of motoring among the top three issues they would like to see politicians tackle. One half (51%) wanted to see action to curb illegal drivers - including those who don't register, MOT, tax or buy insurance for their cars - while almost a third (32%) wanted action on drink- and drug-driving.
However, the AA says that motorists' concerns are being overlooked by our politicians, with few of the top concerns being reflected in mainstream party policy.
Labour's election manifesto says that the country must "invest in modern, high-capacity and low-carbon transport infrastructure". Focusing its transport manifesto largely on rail, the party adds that tackling road congestion is a "key Labour priority", which it will address with extended hard-shoulder running.
However, congestion only placed fifth in the AA/Populus survey, while environmental issues - which Labour also hopes to tackle with increased rail traffic and wider support for low-carbon vehicles - ranked seventh. The party has ruled out the introduction of road-pricing if re-elected, however.
Drugalyser
If elected, the Conservatives pledge to stop central government funding for fixed speed cameras and to "crack down on rogue clampers". However, the AA poll suggests that concerns regarding 'restrictions on motoring' are only the eighth most important issue in motorists' minds, while traffic and parking enforcement ranked tenth.
In addition, the party says that its plans to improve road safety include the testing of 'drugalyser' technology.
Liberal Democrat transport policy would include the reduction of road freight in favour of rail, tackling congestion and pollution by reducing the number of lorries on the road while improving public transport. The party hopes to make buses and trains more affordable, pledging a "rail renaissance".
The Green Party also supports more affordable public transport, and would introduce road pricing "if necessary". Meanwhile, it proposes the abolishment of road tax, to be replaced with a purchase tax on new cars that would "make the cost of private cars more effectively mirror their environmental cost to wider society".
All four parties give full or conditional support to the building of high-speed rail links.
'Motor voters'
Asked to rate 13 potential transport policies, 92% of the AA's respondents said that they were in favour of free school buses, and 88% that road safety education should be introduced. Three-quarters were in favour of more voluntary driver training, while 71% agreed with an 80mph motorway speed limit.
Pointing out that most of the UK's "43 million drivers" are of voting age, AA president Edmund King added: "The top three motoring concerns don't seem to be reflected well in the election manifestos.
"The cost of motoring is the number one issue for drivers.
"With high fuel costs hurting two-thirds of drivers, 'motor voters'... want to see urgent action on motoring costs, [and on] illegal and drink/drug-driving drivers."
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