Drivers have rated the M42 as the worst motorway in England in a new survey from the independent watchdog, Transport Focus.  

The Strategic Roads User Survey asked more than 9000 road users about their last journey on a motorway or major ‘A’ road managed by National Highways.  

The M42’s place at the bottom of the league table comes after it scored 56 per cent for overall satisfaction from road users. This follows a significant period of roadworks around Birmingham airport. One of those dissatisfied said “Roadworks, potholes and delays. Terrible road to drive on.”  

The M40 motorway had the highest overall satisfaction at 79 per cent which has dropped from 82 per cent last year. It has taken top spot as last year’s top motorway, the M5, fell from 82 per cent to 77 per cent. The A19 was rated the best ‘A’ road in England with the highest overall satisfaction at 85 per cent. The A12 received the lowest overall satisfaction rating from road users (55 per cent), followed by the A27 (63 per cent).   

Alex Robertson, Chief Executive at the independent watchdog Transport Focus said:  

“Drivers tell us that the maintenance of motorways and major roads – how most of us get around the country – is more important to them than building new roads. With road user perceptions of road surface quality deteriorating since 2022 and declining satisfaction with journey times, National Highways must continue to focus on delivering safe, smooth journeys. 

“We’re committed to working with the Government and National Highways to help them to deliver on road users’ top priorities – improved journey times and satisfaction with surface quality.”  

Key findings  

• Overall, 71 per cent of road users were satisfied with their journey, this is a decrease from 73 per cent last year.  
• Road user satisfaction with journey time has declined to 68 per cent, down from 71 per cent last year.  
• Satisfaction with road surface quality has also declined to 68 per cent compared with 73 per cent last year.  
• Management of roadworks continues to be one of the weaker performing areas with 49 per cent of drivers that passed through roadworks on their journey satisfied with their management, similar to last year.   
• Regionally from the seven National Highways regions it was the South West that was the highest rated with an overall user satisfaction score of 76 per cent. The M25 region is lowest at 68 per cent.   
• The most improved region is the North West. It is the only region to have seen an increase in overall satisfaction and has moved from joint bottom in 2022/2023 on 70 per cent, to second on 73 per cent.  

Highest ranked roads – what drivers say  

“Clear road, decent surface, good markings.” A19 driver   

“One of the few motorways that has few delays when I travel on it.” M40 driver  

“Clear road, not too busy, speed controls and advice good.” M4 driver  

“Traffic was not heavy, few lorries, other drivers were sensibly driving.” M5 driver 

Lowest ranked roads – what drivers say  

“Because they have roadworks on there. They have been there for over a year now and don’t seem to be doing much.” A12 driver  

“Variable speed limits do not always reflect the traffic conditions. Directed to reduce speed for no apparent reason.” M42 driver  

“Poor road quality and maintenance.” A12 driver  

Background

Download report: Strategic Roads User Survey

Download: Map of strategic roads with overall satisfaction ratings

The Strategic Roads User Survey is the formal measure of user satisfaction for those driving on England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads; the roads managed by National Highways on behalf of the Government.  

In 2023/24 9166 people completed the Strategic Roads User Survey about their last journey using a motorway or major ‘A’ road managed by National Highways.  

(Picture – Mapillary)