The M56 has been rated one of England’s best roads by drivers, according to a national road user satisfaction survey from the independent watchdog Transport Focus.
More than 9,500 drivers were asked about their last journey on a motorway or major ‘A’ road managed by National Highways in the watchdog’s Strategic Roads User Survey – 2025-26 annual report
The results show a mixed picture for drivers in the region. The M56 ranked third nationally with 78 per cent overall satisfaction, and the region performed better than the national average on surface and roadworks management. However, overall satisfaction fell from 71 per cent to 69 per cent placing the North West joint fifth nationally.
The M60 remains among the lowest-rated routes nationally, scoring 63 per cent for overall satisfaction, placing it 30th out of 32 selected roads. The M6 also performed below the national average, scoring 65 per cent, while the M62 scored 68 per cent.
Drivers were less satisfied with journey time than drivers nationally, at 68 per cent compared with 69 per cent national average.
However, the region performed better on some measures. Satisfaction with road surface was 71 per cent, slightly above the national average of 70 per cent, and satisfaction with the management of roadworks was 52 per cent, the joint highest regional score and above the national average of 50 per cent.
Louise Collins, Director at Transport Focus, said: “The M56’s strong performance shows the sort of experience road users want, and it is encouraging that drivers in the North West continue to rate road surface quality and roadworks management more highly than the national average.
“The results also show where there is room for improvement. Overall satisfaction has fallen in the North West this year and drivers remain less satisfied than average with journey times.
“As National Highways prepares for a major programme of renewals, it has an opportunity to build on recent successes and ensure future works are well planned, clearly communicated and delivered with as little disruption as possible.”
Nationally, roadworks management remains one of the weaker performing areas, with road user satisfaction at 50 per cent. Drivers who passed through roadworks were significantly less satisfied with their journey overall (58 per cent) than those who did not encounter roadworks (77 per cent).
Key findings:
• Overall satisfaction in the North West was 69 per cent, down from 71 per cent last year and below the national average of 71 per cent.
• Satisfaction with journey time was 68 per cent, compared with 69 per cent nationally.
• Satisfaction with road surface was 71 per cent, compared with 70 per cent nationally.
• Satisfaction with management of roadworks was 52 per cent, compared with 50 per cent nationally.
• Feeling safe was 78 per cent, compared with 81 per cent nationally.
The findings come as National Highways prepares for a major programme of renewals across England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads. Transport Focus is calling on National Highways to use the lessons from recent schemes to ensure future roadworks are well planned, clearly communicated and delivered in a way that minimises disruption for road users.
England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads are entering one of the largest periods of renewal and asset replacement since much of the network was originally built in the 1960s.
The first motorway in England, then called the Preston bypass, was opened in 1958. By 1969 the first 1,000 miles of motorways were built and open to road users. The last major new motorway, the M6 toll, was opened in December 2003. Motorways and the supporting structures typically need to be renewed every 50 to 60 years.
The Strategic Roads User Survey is the formal measure of satisfaction among drivers using England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads, managed by National Highways on behalf of the Government. The survey helps National Highways develop initiatives and target investments to improve the driver experience.
Transport Focus will continue to work with National Highways to bring independent evidence, insight and challenge to help ensure road users’ needs are reflected in the planning, delivery and improvement of England’s strategic roads.
