The M27 has been named England’s worst motorway by drivers, as results from a new survey are released.
Over 9500 drivers were asked about their last journey on a motorway or major ‘A’ road managed by National Highways, in the ‘Strategic Roads User Survey’ by independent watchdog Transport Focus.
The M20 in Kent was the highest rated motorway and the A30, one of the UK’s longest ‘A’ roads, was the highest rated major ‘A’ road, both scoring 79% satisfaction. The M56 and M5 followed closely, both with 78% satisfaction.
The M27 is the lowest ranked road overall this year, with just 56% of drivers satisfied, with concerns about journey time and roadworks highlighted by road users. The A12 is the worst-rated ‘A’ road in the country with 64% of drivers satisfied and 52% satisfied with the road surface. The M42 had the lowest satisfaction with journey time at 52%.
Overall, 71% of drivers were satisfied with their journey, up from 69% last year. Drivers in the South West reported the highest overall satisfaction at 75%, while The North West, Midlands and M25 regions scored lowest, all at 69%.
While satisfaction with roadworks management has improved this year, it is still one of the weaker performing areas with only 50% of drivers satisfied. Drivers who passed through roadworks were significantly less satisfied with their journey overall (58%) than those who did not encounter roadworks (77%).
The findings come as National Highways prepares for a major five-year renewals programme as part of the third Road Investment Strategy to upgrade England’s roads, which is expected to mean road users facing more roadworks. Transport Focus is calling on National Highways to use the lessons from recent schemes to ensure future roadworks are well planned, clearly communicated and efficiently delivered, minimising disruption for road users wherever possible.