The M6 has been named the UK’s second worst motorway after the M25, according to a new poll of AA members.
The M6 is the longest motorway in the United Kingdom, running for just over 230 miles from the Midlands to the border with Scotland.
Whether you drive on motorways regularly for work or take the plunge once a year for your annual staycation, you might be familiar with the M6 and what makes it so bad.
The UK’s road maintenance system
In the poll, 21% voted the M6 as the worst motorway to drive on in the UK, meaning it ranks in 2nd place with the M25 being named the overall worst motorway.
Those who took part in the poll shared their thoughts about the M6 and why it’s so problematic.
One said the M6 is “dangerous” and “always” has either “holdups or accidents.”
Another person said: “For a longtime 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.”
The AA said: “Nine of the top ten have had sections converted to so-called ‘smart’ motorways over recent years. This has led to years of roadworks followed by more misery for drivers as emergency areas have been retrofitted to each section.
“This frustration shows in the comments respondents made – ‘Any smart motorway scares me. I count the miles until the end and heave a sigh of relief.’”
What are the UK’s worst motorways?
The AA listed the top ten worst motorways in the country according to its latest poll.
They are:
- M25
- M6
- M1
- M5
- M62
- M4
- M42
- M60
- M8
- M27
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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’.
“It’s quite telling that nine of the worst motorways have sections of ‘smart’ motorway. Drivers have had to endure years of works 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.”
