Star ratings could be introduced on the UK's roads to improve their safety and highlight accident blackspots.

Officials have been asked to examine the merits of these rating schemes, particularly EUROrap and i RAP, which are used to grade road systems in other parts of the world.

Roads minister Robert Goodwill said he recognised the "positive impact" that these systems have had in other countries and said he was keen to work with the Highways Agency to consider whether they would benefit the UK.

"All of these research findings should provide vital evidence for shaping future road safety policy," he added.

EuroRAP assesses roads across Europe to analyse their safety and uses a colour-coded system to gauge their risk.

A spokesman for the AA told the Telegraph a star system could help motorists understand which regions have the biggest accident risks and enable the naming and shaming of local authorities that have the worst safety records.