M27 Motorway Records Lowest Driver Satisfaction in England Survey While Smart Motorway Scores Rise

GB News reported that the M27 motorway recorded a 56 per cent driver satisfaction rating in a Transport Focus survey of more than 9,500 motorists. The 28-mile route placed last in a league table of England's major motorways and A roads. The A30 and M20 both scored 79 per cent to share the top position.

The M56 and M5 each reached 78 per cent, while the A19 and A23 recorded 77 per cent. The M4 and A14 achieved 76 per cent. Lower scores appeared elsewhere on the list. The A12 registered 64 per cent, the M60 posted 63 per cent, and the M42 finished at 61 per cent.

Satisfaction on smart motorways rose from 60 per cent to 66 per cent after National Highways completed installation of 150 additional emergency refuge areas. Safety confidence reached 78 per cent among smart motorway users, compared with 82 per cent on traditional motorways.

Louise Collins, director at Transport Focus, said overall satisfaction has increased with encouraging signs in key areas, yet drivers continue to report that roadworks can make or break a journey.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the results indicate National Highways must improve consistency given the scale of maintenance work planned through 2030. National Highways has begun a five-year renewals programme on the ageing network built largely in the 1960s.