The M20 has been rated England's highest-performing motorway for driver satisfaction, according to the latest research from Transport Focus, while the M27 has ranked at the bottom of the table after motorists raised concerns about ongoing roadworks. The independent watchdog surveyed more than 9,500 drivers about their most recent journey on a motorway or major A-road managed by National Highways, with overall satisfaction across the network rising to 71%, an improvement from 69% recorded in 2025.
With a satisfaction score of 79%, the M20 secured the top position among England's motorways, while the M56 and M5 also performed strongly, with both receiving satisfaction ratings of 78%. At the opposite end of the rankings, the M27 recorded the lowest motorway satisfaction score at 56%, with drivers pointing to lengthy roadworks, reduced speed limits and narrow lanes as key frustrations, with some questioning why restrictions remained in place when little visible work appeared to be taking place.
The survey also found that roadworks continue to have a major influence on motorists' experiences. Among drivers who encountered roadworks during their journey, only 58% reported being satisfied, compared with 77% of those travelling on roads without disruption. Satisfaction with smart motorways has also improved, rising from 60% last year to 66%, following the completion of the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme.
Despite this increase, drivers remain less confident in their safety on smart motorways than on conventional routes, with 78% saying they felt safe compared with 82% on standard motorways. The impact of completed infrastructure work was reflected on the M1, where driver satisfaction increased to 74%, up from 57% while major retrofit works were taking place.
Beyond the motorway network, the A30 matched the M20 as England's highest-rated strategic road, also achieving a 79% satisfaction score.
Meanwhile, the M42 received the lowest rating for journey times, with just 52% of motorists satisfied, contributing to the motorway's overall satisfaction score of 61%. Among major A-roads, the A12 ranked lowest, recording 64% overall satisfaction and only 52% satisfaction for road surface quality and service.
Transport Focus says the findings demonstrate that well-managed road improvements can positively influence drivers' experiences but stresses that future maintenance projects must minimise disruption wherever possible.
Louise Collins, director at Transport Focus, said: “This year’s results show that positive improvements to the road user experience are possible. Overall satisfaction has increased and there are encouraging signs that drivers are noticing improvements in key areas, however drivers continue to tell us that roadworks can make or break a journey.
“The next five years will bring significant investment as National Highways embarks on a major programme to repair and renew England’s roads. By applying the positive lessons from recent schemes, National Highways has an opportunity to ensure roadworks are well planned, clearly communicated and minimise disruption wherever possible.
We’ll continue to work closely with National Highways to bring the voice of road users into decisions and help ensure this investment delivers the greatest possible benefit for drivers.”