The majority of drivers in the UK want to comply with speed limits, but find it difficult, according to a new survey.

Nearly 90% of the 3,000 drivers taking part in the survey said they aim to comply with the speed limit but 60% said they can’t keep within the limits, according to an online poll conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) between August and September this year.

The main factor in non-compliance is disagreement with imposed limits on certain roads, claimed 57% of respondents who admitted to speeding.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “It’s good to know most people want to stay within the law when it comes to speeding, but too many seem to find it challenging. The results suggest that people are aware of the limit and don’t want to break it, but temptation and pressure from other traffic may push them to go faster.”

About 40% of speeders say police presence is the most effective deterrent while 10% rate safety cameras as the biggest deterrent.

When asked about the choice of roads, 58% of respondents have said they mostly speed on motorways, 20% prefer rural roads, 4% in towns while 18% have said they will not speed on any road.

The poll also showed that 7% of respondents don’t consider whether they are breaking the limit, while conscience deters 17% from speeding.