M42 ‘worst motorway in England’, says report

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 9,000 road users about their last journey on a motorway or major ‘A’ road managed by National Highways. Overall, 71% of road users were satisfied with their journey, this is a decrease from 73% last year.

The M42’s place at the bottom of the league table comes after it scored 56% for overall satisfaction from road users. This follows a significant period of roadworks around Birmingham airport.

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

“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” – Alex Robertson, Chief Executive at the independent watchdog Transport Focus

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.”

“Roads are our industry’s workplace and this survey clearly reflects the views we hear from lorry, coach and van drivers that they must improve” – Ashton Cull, RHA (Road Haulage Association) Public Affairs Manager

Ashton Cull, RHA (Road Haulage Association) Public Affairs Manager, said: “Roads are our industry’s workplace and this survey clearly reflects the views we hear from lorry, coach and van drivers that they must improve. Declining road quality leads to congestion and delays which costs the UK £30bn a year.

“Better roads make journeys more efficient and boost economic growth so we urge decision makers across the country to invest in getting them into the best possible condition.”