1 week Ago By [email protected] (Katherine Gray)
The M25 has been dubbed the 'road to hell' as motorists crowned it the UK’s worst motorway. Drivers said London’s orbital motorway was plagued with 'aggressive drivers' and 'poor surfaces', according to a study by the AA. Four out of 10 motorists (40%), all AA members, chose the M25 as the worst motorway to drive on in the UK.
Common complaints about the 117-mile-long road included dangerous driving, poor adherence to speed limits, and uneven road surfaces. One respondent said: “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.
80 mph is not only acceptable but essential and average.” Another said that 'the hold up around certain junctions, artificially caused by the auto signage gantry boards' added to the frustration of driving on the M25. 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’.” The M25 opened 50 years ago and carries around 200,000 vehicles a day.
As the UK’s busiest motorway, it circles Greater London and acts as a crucial connector for routes in and out of the city. However, the M25 wasn’t the only UK motorway to be named and shamed in the study. The 'dangerous' M6 was also voted as the worst motorway in the UK by 21% of respondents.
One motorist said: “For a long time too many 50mph stretches adding to the length of journey. Also lots of sections without hard shoulder which makes me uncomfortable and the 4th lane doesn’t really help as many people sit in middle lanes reducing capacity greatly.” You can sign up to get the latest London road traffic news and live updates sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team.
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The M1 was also dubbed the worst motorway in the UK by 13% of motorists, making it third worst in the UK. Drivers had a generally negative view of the congestion on the UK’s motorways - 32% said this was poor, while 13% said this was excellent. Road surfaces fared a little better in the study - 22% said these were poor, while 20% said these were excellent.
Mr Cousens added: “It’s quite telling that nine of the worst motorways have sections of ‘smart’ motorway. Drivers have had to endure years of work for the initial conversion, followed by yet more misery to add in the extra emergency areas. Most are telling us they have felt little if any benefit from losing the hard shoulder, with many claiming it’s led to more congestion.
"As constant jams and delays frustrate commuters, drivers are always looking for ways to keep the wheels turning. Checking your route before setting off with the AA Route Planner can help avoid sitting at the back of the queue.” Full list of worst UK Motorways Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.
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