Roadwork-plagued M27 named as worst motorway

The M27 in Hampshire has been ranked England’s worst motorway, amid concerns over roadworks and delays.

Just 56% of drivers who used the 28-mile road said they were satisfied with their journey, a survey by watchdog Transport Focus found.

One respondent described roadworks on the motorway as “terrible” as they cause reduced speed and narrow lanes despite the respondent “very rarely” seeing any work happening.

The road has seen long-running work for surfacing and junction modifications.

Kent’s M20 was ranked the country’s favourite motorway, with a satisfaction rating of 79%.

Across all motorways and major A roads, 71% of drivers were satisfied with their journey, up from 69% last year.

Ratings for journey times, road surfaces and roadworks management all improved year-on-year.

England’s network of motorways and major A roads is entering one of its largest maintenance periods since much of it was first built in the 1960s.

National Highways is embarking on a five-year renewals programme as part of the third Road Investment Strategy, which is likely to involve more roadworks.

Transport Focus director Louise Collins said the survey results demonstrate that “positive improvements to the road user experience are possible”.

Published: 21/07/2026 by Radio NewsHub