The UK’s worst motorway has been revealed, with London’s M25 not coming out on top of the list. The London orbital is often near the top of motorists’ hit list due to its reputation for heavy traffic and delays but a previous study has uncovered drivers were struggling in another part of the county.
According to a survey from independent watchdog, Transport Focus, the M42 instead takes top billing. The route scored just a 56% overall satisfaction score in the poll released last year, putting it firmly at the bottom of the list. It was considered to be worse than the M60 motorway, which had a 60% satisfaction score with the M25 next on 67%.
The M42 is a vital artery in the Midlands running from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire to Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire. The route passes towns such as Redditch while also servicing Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
However, the road has been slammed for variable speed limits, speed limits and delays. Meanwhile, individuals were also said to be frustrated with roadworks and potholes along the route.
Transport Focus’ Strategic Roads User Survey got the opinions of more than 9000 road users to put together the findings. One road user said: “Variable speed limits do not always reflect the traffic conditions. Directed to reduce speed for no apparent reason.”
Meanwhile, another individual added: “Roadworks, potholes and delays. Terrible road to drive on.” National Highways are currently undertaking some major redevelopment work on the M42 with a £282 million update at junction 6.
As part of the latest work, teams plan on repairing two bridges from 22 September, meaning further delays are likely. Officials have already confirmed the work will lead to some closures of the M42 and northbound lane closures of the A4545.
However, National Highways seems to be aware of the issues on the road, stressing that the new project would increase road capacity.
They explained: “Traffic congestion and poor journey reliability have constrained investment and economic growth around the M42 at junction 6. Having almost reached capacity, the junction has become a bottleneck, causing delays across the network.”