More than two in five people think racism has increased in recent years, a study has revealed.
The survey of 5,000 people also found that a quarter of people had witnessed discrimination themselves.
Younger people were found to be more likely to have seen or experienced acts of racism in the past two years, according to the study by the BBC.
The poll, conducted to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Race Relations Act, revealed a "complex picture" of attitudes.
While 43 per cent said racism had increased, only 14 per cent believed it was a problem where they lived.
Neila Butt, editor of specialist programmes for English regions at the BBC, said: "We have found a complex picture.
"Whilst 43 per cent of those polled said they thought in general racism had increased over the last two years, the vast majority said it was not a problem where they lived.
"It's interesting that people polled from minority ethnic groups were less likely to think racism is on the incline than those who described themselves as white."
People in London and Scotland were most likely to say they had experienced or witnessed discrimination.
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teachers' union, said: "Far from being consigned to the textbooks of history, racism continues to blight the lives and life chances of black and minority ethnic children and young people, teachers and communities.
"No doubt many will debate whether Britain is a fairer and more tolerant society today than it was 50 years ago. However, the facts indicate that there is still a long way to go to secure equal rights and equal opportunities for all."
