Drivers across Shropshire have a poor understanding of The Highway Code with more than half not knowing some of the basics rules of the road, it was claimed today.

Figures released today have shown more than half of drivers in Shropshire, at 55 per cent, did not know what to do when a traffic light shone its red and amber lights together.

The claims were being made in a study commission by Goodyear which also showed 45 per cent of those surveyed in the county did not know the typical stopping distance for a car driving at 50mph.

Goodyear has said the answer is 53 metres, or 13 car lengths.

Results from the poll of 5,000 motorists, from across the West Midlands, showed a large percentage failed to correctly answer a number of general knowledge and picture questions covering The Highway Code.

When asked what the no-overtaking road sign meant, 24 per cent got it wrong and more than 75 per cent assumed the 30mph minimum speed sign actually indicated the maximum speed allowed.

Eddy Geerdink, Goodyear’s marketing director, said: “Understanding the rules of The Highway Code can significantly reduce accidents.

“Our survey shows that a number of drivers in the West Midlands would fail their driving test based on this knowledge and at worst it could put the lives of fellow drivers at risk if they wrongly interpreted them in real motoring situations.”

While the results showed many drivers were out of touch with the road rules, 96 per cent said their understanding of The Highway Code is either adequate or good, with more than 41 per cent saying drivers should not be retested.