England's best and worst roads revealed

Driver satisfaction with England's motorways and major A roads has improved, but roadworks continue to be the biggest source of frustration for fleets and business drivers.

New research from Transport Focus, based on more than 9,500 drivers, found 71% were satisfied with their most recent journey, up from 69% last year.

Highest-rated roads

  • M20 – 79% satisfaction
  • A30 – 79%
  • M56 – 78%
  • M5 – 78%

Lowest-rated roads

  • M27 – 56% satisfaction
  • A12 – 64%
  • M42 – lowest score for journey times (52%)

Roadworks remain the biggest challenge. Drivers encountering roadworks reported 58% satisfaction, compared with 77% among those whose journeys were unaffected. Only half of drivers were satisfied with how roadworks were managed.

There was better news for smart motorways, with satisfaction rising from 60% to 66% following the completion of National Highways' emergency area upgrade programme. The M1 was one of the biggest improvers, with satisfaction climbing from 57% to 74% after lengthy roadworks ended.

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