Motorists are more concerned about the rising cost of car insurance than Gardaí enforcing traffic laws, according to new research by AA Motor Insurance.

In a survey of over 8,800 motorists, 92% say they believe the cost of car insurance to be the biggest motoring issue they’ll face this year. In contrast, just 50% feel the level of Gardaí activity on Irish roads is a prime concern.

“The rising cost of car insurance is a major frustration for Irish motorists and due to its legal obligation, motorists have no choice but to pay the costs,” says AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan. “We have seen an increase of almost 40% in as little as 24 months which the AA regards as an unacceptable burden on motorists.”

Road safety ranks as the second most common concern for motorists (87%), while the need to repair damaged roads comes in third (77%). Another area of concern for motorists is the rate of motor tax with 72% believing the charge to be “very important” in 2016. Other issues important to motorists are, the cost of petrol and diesel (68%), the provision of improved public transport resources (49%) and vehicle registration tax (40%).

Motorists appear to be less concerned about the Government providing and improving facilities for cyclists, with just 32% deeming it to be a critical issue for the year ahead. Only 35% identify Irish Rail and Luas expansions as “very important” while a third are of the same opinion when it comes to building new roads.