NEARLY one in two motorists (47 per cent) offer excuses to try to avoid being penalised for road traffic offences such as speeding, jumping lights or parking fines, according to a report by RAC Legal Services.

With 7.6m parking fines issued and 1.7m speeding offences last year, public resentment towards traffic wardens, speed cameras and parking restrictions is reaching boiling point.

However, with the Government proposing to deploy new "civil enforcement officers" to crack down on driving offences, RAC is warning drivers they must brace themselves for more penalties in future and ensure they are more aware of both the traffic laws and their legal rights.

The most common excuses from drivers include:

- 29 per cent plead ignorance - claiming they were not aware of the traffic restrictions. One in four teenagers (40%) claim lack of awareness, despite having to pass the DVLA's new written test as part of the licence

- 20 per cent of people argue a case claiming they didn't see the road signs

- 24 per cent would blame other motorists - for example, people driving too close to them, keeping up with traffic in front, or taking up too much room.

- 53 per cent of people would not appeal a penalty or fine preferring to admit to a road traffic offence

Mark Hodges, spokesperson for RAC Legal Services, said: "The public is getting increasingly frustrated with wardens and fines. It is becoming more important for people to be aware of the traffic laws and to recognise the proper route for appeal if they have a legitimate excuse for the offence.

"As civil enforcement officers take to the streets, the public must develop more awareness of the traffic laws and of their legal rights."