The M42 has been voted the worst motorway in England, thanks to an abundance of roadworks, poor road quality and reduced speed limits “for no apparent reason”.

The 40-mile stretch of road between Bromsgrove in Worcestershire to just south-west of Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire got the thumbs down from road users after scoring just 56% for overall satisfaction.

The A12 in Eastern England was voted worst ‘A’ road, followed by the A27, scoring 55% and 63% for satisfaction respectively.

Conversely, the M40 was voted best motorway with a 79% satisfaction rating and the A19 the best road, with 85%.

The survey of more than 9,000 road users by Transport Focus found that overall, 71% of motorists were satisfied with their journeys, down from 73% last year.

Satisfaction with journey times has also fallen to 68% compared to 73% in 2023.

The most improved region is the North West, being the only area to see an increase in overall satisfaction from road users and moving from joint bottom in 2022/23 on 70% to second on 73%.

The A12 received the lowest overall satisfaction rating.

The A12 received the lowest overall satisfaction rating.

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Referring to the M42, one driver told Transport Focus: “Variable speed limits do not always reflect the traffic conditions. Directed to reduce speed for no apparent reason.”

Alex Robertson, chief executive at Transport Focus, said: “Drivers tell us that the maintenance of motorways and major roads – how most of us get around the country – is more important to them than building new roads.

“With road user perceptions of road surface quality deteriorating since 2022 and declining satisfaction with journey times, National Highways must continue to focus on delivering safe, smooth journeys.”

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