Leeds in top ten of risky places to drive in England

The city has been ranked ninth in a top 15 poll of the riskiest places to take a spin.

The survey by price comparison site MoneySuperMarket.com reveals vehicle crime hot spot Bristol as the worst, with ‘accident’ capital London close behind.

The list was compiled by comparing the percentage of drivers experiencing road rage, maintenance on principal roads and cases of vehicle crime.

Leeds’ redeeming feature was its ‘low number of roads in need of maintenance’.

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Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket.com, said: “Everyone’s had a bad experience with driving at some point, whether it’s being caught in a jam or being in some sort of accident. Accidents, vehicle crime and poor road conditions can all affect car insurance premiums, so we want to make sure that everyone has the best information when it comes to controlling their insurance costs.”

Bristol’s score was primarily determined by vehicle crime, but other factors included low quality of main roads and a significant number of accidents reported in 2015.

When it comes to road rage, the study found the highest incidence was in Lincoln, where 61 per cent of people said that they’d experienced extreme frustration behind the wheel. Bristol also compared poorly in terms of incidents of road rage, with 51 per cent feeling ‘furious’.

Car insurance premiums can be up to 60 per cent higher in ‘problem’ areas. London, which came second due to its high level of reported car accidents, has the priciest car insurance in the country at £817 on average, 60 per cent higher than the national average.

Perhaps Londoners should consider a move north to Dumfries where the average is only £291. To see the full list visit www.moneysupermarket.com/hubs/car-insurance/worst-place-to-drive/.

Leeds’ ranking in the risky driving list was based on a set of different components.

The analysis by MoneySuperMarket.com was based on car accidents, road rage and road quality, along with statistics about vehicle crime.

City drivers experienced 1,545 accidents in 2015 and 46 per cent of motorists experienced road rage. The amount of vehicle crime within a one-mile radius of the city centre in August 2016 stood at 167.

The silver lining was only three percent of Leeds’ principal roads were singled out to be considered for maintenance last year.