Worst motorway in England revealed: traffic, potholes, roadworks, it’s got the lot

“This work will provide safer, smoother and quieter journeys for those that rely on this vital road, as well as less need for maintenance and repair in the future.” At the other end of the scale, the cream of the crop in terms of motorways is the M40, which actually improved its satisfaction rating from 79 per cent in 2023 to 82 per cent in 2024. One driver described it as “one of the few motorways that has few delays”.

Advertisement – Article continues below The A19, which runs from Seaton Burn in Tyneside to Doncaster in South Yorkshire, was rated England’s best ‘A’ road, with an 85 per cent satisfaction rating thanks to its smooth surface, good markings and lack of traffic. Regardless, Transport Focus’ survey once again shines the spotlight on the continuing managed decline of England’s road network.

Average driver satisfaction fell by two per cent in the last year to 71 per cent across both motorways and ‘A’ roads, with satisfaction in terms of the quality of road surfaces tumbling by five points to 68 per cent. This comes after Department for Transport data showed that drivers are now spending more time than ever in traffic on major roads and motorways – something highlighted further by Transport Focus’ survey, which showed satisfaction with journey times has also dropped in the past year, from 71 per cent to 68 per cent. Prior to the General Election, Labour’s Louise Haigh, who is now Transport Secretary, promised to maintain the Conservatives’ pledge to redirect funding from the cancelled HS2 project into improving the quality of UK roads.

Auto Express has asked the Department for Transport for a statement regarding its current plans, but is yet to receive a response.

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