Drivers have given their verdict on the worst motorway in the UK, with millions of drivers choosing a major route as the UK’s most hated.
In a new poll of thousands of AA members, the M25 has been crowned the UK’s worst motorway, with 40 per cent of respondents citing it as the most problematic route.
This represents a significant increase from a similar poll conducted in 2013, when 30 per cent of drivers expressed their dislike for the London orbital motorway.
Drivers highlighted numerous issues with the 117-mile ring road, which was fully completed in 1986 and marks its 50th anniversary since construction began.
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The M25 was blamed for having long queues and the level of danger
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The motorway carries approximately 200,000 vehicles daily, making it the UK’s busiest motorway and earning it a notorious reputation among British drivers.
AA members complained about the M25’s “poor surface” and “very noisy” conditions in certain areas.
One driver highlighted “hold-ups around certain junctions, artificially caused by the auto signage gantry boards” as adding to frustration.
Aggressive driving was another major concern, with one AA member stating: “I have been horrified by aggressive drivers changing several lanes impulsively, at speed, without indicating.
“It feels as if the national speed limit has been abandoned there. 80mph is not only acceptable but essential and average.”
These issues have cemented the M25’s reputation as Britain’s most problematic motorway despite its crucial role in London’s transport network.
The M6 ranked second in the poll, with 21 per cent of respondents naming it the worst motorway, followed by the M1 in third place with 13 per cent.
One driver described the M6 as “dangerous,” adding that there was always a holdup or an accident.
Notably, nine of the top ten worst-rated motorways feature “smart” motorway sections. The controversial upgrades have subjected drivers to “years of roadworks followed by more misery” as emergency areas were retrofitted to each section.
One driver admitted: “Any smart motorway scares me. I count the miles until the end and heave a sigh of relief.”
The ongoing works have clearly contributed to drivers’ negative perceptions of these major routes. Safety concerns about smart motorways were evident in the survey responses.
Jack Cousens, AA head of roads policy, said: “The M25 is notorious for its heavy traffic and frequent delays. As one of the busiest stretches of motorway in the country, it is no surprise that drivers find it frustrating. Little wonder Chris Rea declared it the ‘Road To Hell’.”
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The M25 was ranked as the most hated motorway among British drivers
PA
The least popular motorways in the UK
- M25 – 40 per cent
- M6 – 21 per cent
- M1 – 13 per cent
- M5 – five per cent
- M62 – four per cent
- M4 – three per cent
- M42 – two per cent
- M60 – one per cent
- M8 – one per cent
- M27 – one per cent
