Venson Automotive Solutions is urging businesses to back a Civility Code of Conduct for motorists, following a survey which outlined the biggest grievances on the roads.

The concept was suggested by the Centre for London think tank, which wants to stop city dwellers being rude and unfriendly to one another when moving around.

A survey carried out by Venson found 44% of people agree with the proposal.

“With fleet drivers making up a large portion of vehicles on the road, a focus on accountable driving behaviour as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility programme is key,” explains Alison Bell, marketing director of Venson Automotive Solutions. 

“For some businesses, driver induction programs, guidelines on road etiquette and expectations of how drivers should conduct themselves with the public and other road users, is part of the approach to managing occupational road risk. 42% of those that responded to our survey believe that as a population, we need to realise that we’re part of a system and should apply some sort of process to the way we move amongst each other.  We believe businesses can play a role in achieving this, whilst cultivating more civility on UK roads.”

The study found that cyclists, joggers and smokers were thought to be the most discourteous when using public thoroughfares, although nearly half of all respondents (48%) shared frustration that motorists use their indicators less today than they did in the past. 

Close behind this grievance was a lack of tolerance by motorists of cyclists – 44% agreed that drivers lacked patience.  

More than a third (36%) of respondents said that lorry drivers generally don’t give enough due care or attention to other road users and one in four people said they’ve experienced road rage that left them feeling vulnerable or shaken.

Top 10 civility grievances:

  • Cyclists should ensure that they are dressed appropriately so that they can be seen clearly at all times
  • Cyclists shouldn’t cycle in the middle of the road, creating a long queue of traffic behind them
  • Pedestrians who smoke in the street and throw their cigarette butts on the floor should be fined
  • Those out running should ensure that they are dressed appropriately and can be seen at all times
  • The use of indicators by drivers has become considerably less
  • More cycle lanes should be introduced in cities for safer mobility for cyclists – and pedestrians!
  • Motorists should be more tolerant of cyclists
  • Fewer drivers today acknowledge thanks when other drivers give way to allow them to pass on the road/pull in or out of a street
  • Lorry drivers generally do not give enough due care and attention to other road users
  • Road rage from other road users often results in feeling vulnerable or shaken.