Research has indicated that the average motorist will clock up approximately £283 in fines in their years behind the wheel.
The survey, which included 1,017 motorists, was commissioned by esure car insurance, and the £283 average takes into account the blemish-free record of some drivers alongside serial offenders.
The research results suggest that 34% of drivers have been fined for speeding at least once, while 6% have been caught three or more times. Nearly 40% have received a parking fine and one in 14 are regular offenders with three or more tickets.
There are various penalties involved with car ownership. A speeding driver can face a fine of up to £60, parking fines can see the driver charged up to £120 and those without insurance may face a hefty bill of up to £5,000. Such misdemeanours cost motorists £200 million in total each year, and when multiplied over a 50-year driving career, the nation’s total hits the £10 billion mark.
Men are the worst culprits paying out on average £152 for speeding and £111 for parking offences, while women will pay only £79 and £75 for the same violations. Nearly half of men have been caught speeding compared with just a quarter of women.
Unsurprisingly, Londoners face the highest financial sanctions with an average £680 to pay during their lifetime.
Safety campaigners have also been critical about the confusing systems, penalties and regulations that dominate Britain’s roads. More than a third of motorists are confused by the myriad of parking rules and regulations, while others admit they do not know many of the highway laws.
Mike Pickard, esure’s Head of Risk and Underwriting, said: “Running a car can be very costly, particularly with rising fuel costs. Avoidable charges for driving offences only make this more expensive.
“Speeding and using a mobile phone while driving not only add points to a motorist’s licence but put drivers and other road-users at risk. Making changes such as slowing down and driving more carefully will not only help make roads safer but also leave you better off financially.”
Sean Joyce, partner and head of the Motoring team at Stephensons added: “In many situations these fines can be defended and simply by contacting a solicitor you could save hundreds of pounds in driving fines. Before you accept the charge, my advice would be to contact a solicitor.”
For more information visit Stephensons’ website at www.stephensons.co.uk/carryondriving or call 01942 777777.