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The Independent UK

Neil Lancefield

England’s motorways and major A roads ranked from best to worst

England Transport Focus Focus National Highways

England’s 32 motorways and major A roads have been ranked from best to worst following polling of more than 9,500 drivers in March.

The survey conducted by the watchdog Transport Focus revealed 71 per cent of drivers were satisfied with their journeys on motorways and major A roads nationwide, up from 69 per cent last year, with improvements noted in journey times, road surfaces, and roadworks management.

However, the M27 in Hampshire was branded the least satisfactory, plagued by persistent roadworks and subsequent delays. Only 56 per cent of drivers who used the 28-mile stretch were satisfied with their journey.

One frustrated respondent described the roadworks as "terrible," citing reduced speeds and narrowed lanes, despite "very rarely" witnessing any actual work taking place. The M27 has been subject to extensive ongoing projects, including resurfacing and junction modifications.

In contrast, Kent’s M20 emerged as the nation’s favourite motorway, with a satisfaction rating of 79 per cent.

England’s network of motorways and major A roads is entering one of its largest maintenance periods since much of it was first built in the 1960s.

National Highways is embarking on a five-year renewals programme as part of the third Road Investment Strategy, which is likely to involve more roadworks.

Transport Focus director Louise Collins said the survey results demonstrate that “positive improvements to the road user experience are possible”.

She went on: “Overall satisfaction has increased and there are encouraging signs that drivers are noticing improvements in key areas, however, drivers continue to tell us that roadworks can make or break a journey.

“By applying the positive lessons from recent schemes, National Highways has an opportunity to ensure roadworks are well planned, clearly communicated and minimise disruption wherever possible.”

Satisfaction with journeys on smart motorways rose from 60 per cent last year to 66 per cent.

Transport Focus attributed this to the completion of work to retrofit 150 additional emergency refuge areas, which involved widespread roadworks causing delays.

Kent’s M20 was ranked the country’s favourite motorway (PA)

Drivers on sections of smart motorway continued to feel less safe than those on conventional motorways, at 78 per cent and 82 per cent respectively.

The A30, which runs between west London and Cornwall, was ranked the best A road, with a 79 per cent satisfaction score.

At the other end of the scale, the A12 between the east of the capital and Suffolk had the lowest rating, at 64 per cent.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “We manage our roads to ensure the highest levels of safety while minimising disruption to drivers.

“The survey results show our work to improve road conditions and incident response times have had a positive impact on drivers.

“When roads are well maintained, businesses and communities feel the benefit, and we are committed to tackling an ageing network head-on to keep the country moving and give drivers better experiences.”

The survey of more than 9,500 drivers was conducted in the 12 months to the end of March.