The worst motorways in the UK for 2023 according to drivers have been revealed as part of a major annual survey.
And the M6 has bagged the top spot on the not-so-coveted list… yet again.
For what is the second year running now, the major motorway – regularly referred to as ‘the backbone of the UK’ given its length – has been rated the least popular in England by the thousands of frustrated drivers who had their say in the ‘Strategic Roads User Survey’, which is carried out annually by Transport Focus.
More than 9,000 people took part in the independent watchdog’s survey this year, and their feedback will go towards helping National Highways develop initiatives and target investments to improve motoring experiences across the country.
The worst motorways in the UK for 2023 have been revealed as part of a major annual survey / Credit: Mat Fascione (via Geograph) | Wikimedia Commons
For the survey, motorists were asked to comment on the last journey they took on a motorway or major ‘A’ road managed by National Highways in England, and then from this feedback, each highway given an overall satisfaction score.
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The watchdog said the survey is a formal measure in the UK Government‘s second ‘Road Investment Strategy’.
The strategy is aiming to hold National Highways to account for delivering “good customer experience”.
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The M6 scored just 66% driver satisfaction on the survey, making it the least popular motorway in the country for 2023 for the second year running, however, this is an improvement on last year, believe it or not, as back in 2021/22, it only scored 59%.
More than 9,000 people took part in this year’s survey / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The “terrible” tarmac conditions in places, matrix signs apparently not being up-to-date, and unwarranted smart motorway speed limits were provided by drivers as reasons for the M6’s low score.
Coming runners-up to the M6 are the M62 and M56, which also both ranked poorly and received a 69% level of satisfaction rating, while the M60 was also not far behind either on 68% overall.
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On the other end of the scale, the M5 was named by survey respondents as the most popular motorway in England with the highest overall satisfaction at 82%, followed by the M40 also at 82%.
The highest overall satisfaction in ‘A’ roads was A303 at 85%.
We are pleased this research shows that satisfaction has improved as we have been working hard to improve the experience for road users. We will continue to work hard to help every driver have safer and smoother journeys. 2/2
“England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads are at the heart of how many of us move around the country,” said Transport Focus’ chief executive, Anthony Smith, as he commented on the survey results.
“It’s good to see the M5 and M40 perform well.
“But as the so-called backbone of Britain, the M6 is a vital route which National Highways must continue to focus on delivering safe and smooth journeys.
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th September 2023 
