Fewer than half of road users are satisfied with National Highways' management of roadworks, according to the latest national survey of drivers, who rated the M40 as the English motorway with the best journey experience.
Watchdog Transport Focus has published the latest Strategic Roads User Survey after speaking to more than 5,000 road users about their last journey on the strategic road network. Overall 69% were satisfied, although satisfaction levels varied between routes.
The M40 had the highest overall satisfaction at 79%, while drivers were least satisfied with the A1 at 57%.
The management of roadworks was the lowest performing area of National Highways' work, with just 48% of people surveyed satisfied, while only two-thirds (67%) of road users were satisfied with the time their journey took.
Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: ‘These results show that what drivers experience varies from road to road, with journey time and how busy it is being key to journey satisfaction.
‘As the summer getaway begins, this survey shows the importance of National Highways striving to minimise hold-ups and providing good information so drivers know what to expect if it will be busy.
‘And it points to the ongoing need to focus on delivering roadworks with the least disruption possible, as well as keeping road surfaces in good condition.'
User comments
One driver said: ‘M40 is a nice wide motorway with rarely too much traffic problems.’
Road users praised the new section of the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon. One said: ‘Nice new road, smooth, no potholes, fast, easy traffic.’
One driver said the A1 has ‘far too many road works without any work taking place’, while another said: ‘Traffic very, very slow moving. As always at this time on any weekday.’
On the M6 many road users commented on not feeling safe on smart motorway sections and the long stretches of reduced speed limit due to roadworks.
One driver said: ‘The amount of roadworks and lane closers with ZERO work activity is beyond sense.’
said: ‘The inside lane of the M6 (in both directions) are rutted.’
Transport Focus said the survey gives National Highways a focus on initiatives that will improve the driver experience. It is expected to be used from April 2023 as part of holding National Highways to account for delivering good customer experience.
