UK drivers know all too well the difference between a smooth, enjoyable drive and a frustrating, pothole-laden one. The latest annual survey from Transport Focus, an independent watchdog, reveals which motorways and A-roads have gained the highest satisfaction ratings and which have left road users less than impressed. Here, we look at the top and bottom contenders, highlighting what makes a road journey satisfying or disappointing for drivers.
The survey by Transport Focus asked 9,000 road users about their experiences on major roads managed by National Highways. In fact, the top three routes are rated very highly across smooth journeys, have a good quality road surface, and have fewer roadworks.
The A19 came out on top, with a massive 85% satisfaction score. Running from Doncaster all the way through to Seaton Burn, this A-road, in general, is a very pleasant drive and is valued for its good surface, fewer roadworks, and more predictable journey times.
Previously rated higher, the M40 still has a robust 79% satisfaction rating. This motorway actually connects London with Birmingham and makes driving easier with minimal delays. Even though its rating is down from 82%, it is still a favourite of many because the traffic flow is pretty consistent.
At third position comes the M4 because it links London and South Wales, and 78% of the drivers reported satisfaction with it; this is famous for good connectivity and average traffic management, which is why most of the road users prefer this motorway for their journey.
The M5, which connects the Midlands to the South West, reached 77%. Although the rating has gone down a little bit, this is still one of the pretty popular motorways, and notably, one of the outstanding features of this includes journeying through the countryside, making it also appealing to those headed southwest.
A1(M) is among the oldest routes within the UK, plays a dual role in history, and serves a connective function even in modern times, from London to the northeast. It still provides drivers with a generally reliable experience, continuing at 76% satisfaction, though some sections need improvement.
While some roads provide smooth and stress-free journeys, others have been rated poorly due to issues like frequent roadworks, delays, and surface quality problems.
The A12 from London to Great Yarmouth has the undesirable distinction of being the UK's most unsatisfying road, scoring a mere 55%. The motorists said it is often clogged up, and the surface is poor, adding to its reputation as one of the least liked A-roads.
Designed to provide easy access around Birmingham, the M42 was rated the worst motorway, with just a 56% satisfaction score. Drivers have become frustrated due to massive roadworks at Birmingham Airport, with many complaining about lane restrictions and journey time delays.
The M62, which crosses the Pennines and links Liverpool to Hull, has become infamous for its unstable weather and endemic congestion, thus receiving a satisfaction rating of 60% due to the regular occurrence of delays or road closures, especially during winter.
Running along the south coast from East Sussex to Hampshire, the A27 suffers from regular traffic jams and slow-moving traffic. Drivers report satisfaction levels at 63%.
The A3, which goes from London to Portsmouth, scored 64% satisfaction. Road users frequently comment that this route is often clogged and would benefit from more maintenance in some parts.
The survey shows a decline in overall driver satisfaction, with 71% of respondents reporting a satisfactory experience—down from 73% last year. Satisfaction with journey time also decreased to 68%, largely due to prolonged roadworks and poor road surface quality across several routes.
With roadworks and surface repairs underway across many UK roads, satisfaction levels could see improvements in the future. Until then, drivers continue to rate roads like the A19 and M40 highly for reliability, while the A12 and M42 serve as reminders of the challenges facing road users on less satisfactory routes.
For drivers, choosing the right motorway or A-road could mean the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. As improvements are completed, hopefully, satisfaction scores will reflect a more positive driving experience across the UK.
Looking for more motoring content? Why not check out our latest blog, Cars with the best standard specification? We also publish weekly blogs covering a variety of topics, all of which you can explore in the blog section of our website.
As one of the UK's top car leasing brokers, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts provides a wide selection of hot leasing deals to meet diverse needs. For more information, browse our in-depth car leasing guides or speak to one of our specialists at 0345 811 9595.
