Nearly one in five road users are threatened with physical violence on Britain's roads each year, a survey commissioned by Auto Trader suggests.

The poll of 3,000 UK road users - including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, runners and wheelchair users - found that 18% had faced such threats.

Some 11% said they were involved in a physical altercation, while 53% had been or felt intimidated while on the roads.

The survey also found that 67% had experienced tailgating and 41% claimed they had been sworn at or insulted.

Auto Trader has launched a campaign called #SwearToChange aimed at encouraging a constructive debate on "road equality".


Image: Paralympic athlete Lauren Steadman says the statistics are 'alarming'

It is supported by double Olympic gold medal winning cyclist and jockey Victoria Pendleton and British Paralympic athlete Lauren Steadman.

Steadman said: "I am someone who spends a lot of time running, cycling and driving on UK roads, so it's alarming to see the statistics on aggression, physical violence and abuse.

"With changes in infrastructure and more people taking up cycling and running, there's no better time to challenge these attitudes and #SwearToChange."

Pendleton said everyone has "an equal right to be on the road".

She added: "So let's be more compassionate and considerate to others and see what change we can drive."