The quality of road surfaces on England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads is drivers’ top priority for improvement, new research has found.

Independent watchdog, Transport Focus, spoke to more than 5,600 drivers to understand their top priorities for improvement to England’s major roads. As National Highways (formerly Highways England) prepares its longer term plans the watchdog checked in with road users to understand their current priorities.

Almost one in five car and van drivers rated the quality of road surfaces on England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads as poor, with potholes and cracks being the main concerns.

Almost two thirds (65%) of car and van drivers placed more importance on the maintenance of existing roads than building new roads or adding lanes to existing ones.

The safer design and upkeep of roads was road users’ second priority for improvement, followed by better management of roadworks.

“Road users tell us they want to see England’s major roads improved with better roads surfaces and fewer potholes and cracks,” commented Transport Focus Chief Executive Anthony Smith. “It’s vital that National Highways focuses future investment on these priorities to ensure all road users have smoother, safer journeys.”

(Picture – Highways News)