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.
Middleton to receive a cinema and Metrolink as part of regeneration plans
Thomas Melia
Greater Manchester town Middleton is about to undergo a huge facelift thanks to a new regeneration project, including a new cinema and Metrolink tram station.
Middleton is one of many bustling communities that make up the borough of Rochdale, and with these new plans, the town might receive a fair few new visitors who want to know what it’s all about.
The Greater Manchester town is undergoing a huge transformation with regeneration plans confirming that Middleton will receive a brand new cinema complex along with an extended Metrolink line as part of the Bee Network expansion covering this area.
This is all thanks to Middleton teaming up with the Mayor to launch the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which pushes forward regeneration plans for the town and future ideas.
Middleton Shopping Centre right in the heart of the town centre.Middleton Town Centre bustling as the markets take place.Credit: Steven Haslington (via Geograph)/@Rept0n1x (via Flickr)
The MDC considers lots of aspects of the town and even aims to create new homes and improve surrounding public spaces.
Middleton regeneration plans have been floated previously, but complications arose due to a lack of land and available funding, which ultimately brought these foundations to a halt.
Now it seems the green light has been lifted and Middleton is about to get a whole new facelift, which will not only improve the town economically but aesthetically too, along with the wider Rochdale region.
For many Middletonians, the idea of a cinema may have felt like a distant memory, with their last big screen location shutting down just over a decade ago.
This all-new high street regeneration will not only bring an array of shopping favourites back to the town centre but also the long-awaited return of a local cinema. Most importantly, the plans also include a slate of new housing, with an estimated 300 apartments set to be created in one building alone.
Early CGIs of the proposed Middleton regeneration plans.Grade II-listed Warwick Mill looks set to be turned into flats.Credit: Publicity Picture (supplied)
This all falls in line with the ‘Atom Valley scheme‘, which has been commissioned in order to generate over 20,000 job opportunities for people in Bury, Oldham and Rochdale.
The scheme also mentions how it aims to bring a combined economic boost of around £1 billion to these previously mentioned areas.
Rochdale Borough Council leader, Neil Emmott, said: “The development of 1.2 million square metres of employment space around the junction 19 area will help to generate 20,000 high-quality jobs and bring a £1 billion economic boost.”
Featured Image — Publicity Pictures (supplied via Rochdale Borough Council)
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Scouting For Girls announce stacked UK tour with Manchester date
Thomas Melia
British boyband Scouting For Girls are heading out on an extensive UK tour with dates up and down the country, including right here in Manchester.
If the first thing that pops into your mind when you read this headline is “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know how we’ll make it through this”, then you’re on the right side of history.
Nearly 20 years since their single ‘She’s So Lovely’ reached catastrophic heights and had everyone putting on their best Roy Stride accent, Scouting For Girls are heading back on the road.
This UK tour announcement comes two years after their last project, The Place We Used To Meet, reached our ears and was coined by the band as “Our best work since our debut”.
It’s been 18 years since this Brit trio captivated our hearts with their eponymous debut album, which sold over one million copies and went number one on the UK official charts for two weeks.
Whether you know them for ‘Heartbeat’ or ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’, it’s clear to say this band had their fair share of smash hit singles throughout the noughties.
This tour, however, celebrates the sophomore follow-up: Everybody Wants To Be On TV, which went on to continue their legacy and secure them their only number one, ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’, back in 2010.
Now, the boys are treating UK fans to an array of live performances, and if you can’t make one date, fear not because there are 20 different locations for you to choose from.
The group will also be playing the likes of Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and a whole host of other Northern cities, so you have plenty of chances to catch them.
If you can’t wait all the way until March 2026 for your next Scouting For Girls fix, lead singer Stride has his own cameo account where you can get the star to read out a message or even sing you a song: “‘Michaela Strachan’ in full, please?…”
Scouting For Girls are coming to O2 Apollo in Manchester on 21 March 2026, with tickets going on sale next Friday, 2 May at 10am HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th September 2023 
