More than two-thirds of learner drivers are abused or intimidated at roundabouts, according to research from the learner drivers insurance company Marmalade.

They found found abuse towards learners is on the rise with 29% being brought to tears due to the actions of other drivers.

A staggering 99% of driving instructors surveyed said they had witnessed abuse directed at their pupils, with 59% saying incidents of this had happened at roundabouts.

According to the survey of over 1,000 learner drivers and more than 400 driving instructors, the most common form of intimidation learners experience is tailgating followed by dangerous overtaking, beeping and being cut up. 

The Bolton News: Learner drivers often experienced tailgating or other aggressive manoeuvres (PA)Learner drivers often experienced tailgating or other aggressive manoeuvres (PA) (Image: PA)

London was found to be the most hostile place for learner drivers, with almost one in ten (9%) saying they experienced abuse every time they drive.

In comparison more than 20% of learners based in the North East, North West and Yorkshire & the Humber have never experienced abuse or intimidation.

Most frequent road abuse/intimidation hotspots

1) Roundabouts (61%)

2) Town or city centres (42%)

3) Traffic lights (32%)

4) Motorways (23%)

5) Country Roads (18%)

Marmalade has created a UK Government petition in response to this hoping to enforce harsher penalties on those who abuse learner drivers and instructors, with it having reached over 10,000 signatures so far.

Managing director of Marmalade, Paul Baxter said: “This issue means a lot to us and is something we feel incredibly passionate about. It’s something that impacts the majority of our customer base which means we have a responsibility to help. 

“That’s why we’re calling on the Government to do more to prevent on-road bullying of learners by introducing measures to impose stronger sentences on drivers who drive carelessly or dangerously around learner drivers.

“Everyone who drives has been a learner before, so they should be able to empathise with the struggles of learner drivers and feel compelled to help by signing the petition.”