One in six drivers believe it’s legal to run through a red light, according to a new survey by Admiral.

A survey of 2000 drivers revealed what annoys the British most on the roads, in addition to revealing what indiscretions the nation is guilty of when behind the wheel.

The biggest annoyance for 52% of drivers was others checking their phone at the wheel, an infringement that now carries tougher penalties. Half of those surveyed said that drivers throwing rubbish out of their window was their most loathed habit, while 48%said it was tailgating that got them riled up on the roads.

One in six drivers took their eyes off the road to fiddle with the radio and 15% drunk non-alcoholic beverages or ate at the wheel in the past month – an act that can have a detrimental effect on driving. One in ten said they have also checked their phone while driving.

Alistair Hargreaves from Admiral said: “We were shocked by the number of people who think it’s legal to jump a red light, when in fact it could land you points on your licence.

“Another interesting takeaway was how many people want etiquette to be part of a learner driver’s education. We are known as a nation for being polite, and the fact the majority of people essentially want to enforce courtesy training on the road reinforces how important politeness is to British people.”