Nine out of 10 motorists say insurance cost ‘biggest issue’

More than nine out of ten motorists believe the cost of car insurance will be the biggest motoring issue they'll face this year, according to a survey by the AA.

The survey of 8,800 motorists by AA Motor Insurance found that road safety ranks as the second most common concern for motorists (87 per cent), while the need to repair damaged roads came in third (77 per cent).

Another area of concern for motorists was the rate of motor tax with 72 per cent believing the charge to be “very important” in 2016.

Other issues important to motorists were the cost of petrol and diesel (68 per cent), the provision of improved public transport resources (49 per cent) and vehicle registration tax (40 per cent).

The survey also found traffic congestion to be a major issue for 46 per cent of motorists.

Providing and improving facilities for cyclists was an important issue for just 32 per cent of respondents.

Only 35 percent identified Irish Rail and Luas expansions as "very important" while a third were of the same opinion in relation to building new roads.

AA director of consumer affairs Conor Faughnan said the rising cost of car insurance was a "major frustration" for Irish motorists.

“We have seen an increase of almost 40 per cent in under as little as 24 months which the AA regards as an unacceptable burden on motorists,” he said.

“Prominent, visible traffic policing is every bit as important though and is critical to road safety.

“The AA believes the gardaí remain committed to this task, but the Government needs to ensure that gardaí have the necessary resources to carry out their jobs.

“It’s also worth remembering that more gardaí on the roads would see the cost of car premiums gradually decrease owing to a reduction in collisions, and subsequent claims.”

He added it was a “sad state of affairs” when the safety of road users was a secondary issue for motorists.

“This is exactly why we need leadership to be provided from the top level of Government to help stabilise the cost of car insurance,” he said.

“In the meantime, we must continue to promote road safety and responsible driving amongst all road users.”