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.
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Emily Sergeant -
13th September 2023 
