Guide to the Worst Roads in Britain

In 2023, the total length of roads in Great Britain was estimated to be 245,700 miles. With so many roads leading to so many destinations, it’s a good idea to become familiar with them before you embark on your next journey. Here’s a guide to the worst roads in Britain for you to look out for.

The Worst Roads in Britain for Congestion

No one likes to be stuck in traffic, especially when there’s somewhere you need to be and you’re on a tight deadline! Cromwell Trucks and Online Marketing Surgery have produced the “Road Delay Report” to identify the worst roads in Britain for congestion, so all drivers are aware when planning their next journey.

1. A50204 in Westminster
2. A49 Northbound between B4368 near Craven Arms and A489 in Shropshire
3. A3217 in Kensington and Chelsea
4. A103 in Haringey
5. A4200 in Camden

The Worst Roads in Britain for Confusing Junctions

We all know that all roads aren’t that straightforward and along the way, you can approach confusing junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights that might not make much sense. Here is Roads.org.uk’s top 5 bad junctions.

1. Winthorpe Interchange A1 – A17 – A46 in the East Midlands
2. Black Cat Roundabout A1 – A421 in the East of England
3. Carpenter’s Lodge A1 – B1081 in the East of England
4. South Mimms Interchange A1 – M25 – A1081 in the East of England
5. Birtley Interchange A1(M) – A194 (M) – A1231 in the North East

The Worst Roads in Britain for Hills

If you’re heading up north, this is where you’ll find the steepest hills in Britain. If you’re driving an HGV, this is something you need to be aware of as there may be road restrictions, so you’ll need to reroute.

1. Hardknott Pass in Cumbria with an average of 33% gradient
2. Ffordd Pen Llech in North Wales with an average of 28.6% gradient
3. Porlock Hill in Somerset with an average of 25% gradient
4. Bealach na Bà in the Scottish Highlands with an average of 20% gradient
5. Rosedale Chimney Bank in North Yorkshire with an average of 13% gradient

The Worst Roads in Britain for Potholes

Did you know that the RAC attended 7,904 breakdowns in the first quarter of 2024 due to bad road surfaces? Coined as a pothole epidemic in the UK, it’s definitely something drivers need to be aware of so they don’t cause damage to their vehicles! Following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to every county council in the country, here are the roads with the most complaints about potholes.

1. Mellor Brook Bypass at Balderstone in Lancashire with 545 complaints
2. Seven Hills Road in Elmbridge, Surrey, with 216 complaints
3. A345 in Wiltshire with 208 complaints
4. Selsfield Road in West Hoathly, West Sussex, with 200 complaints
5. Main Road in Moulton, Cheshire, with 185 complaints

The Worst Roads in Britain for Fatalities

Between the years of 2012 – 2016, there were 8,534 fatal traffic accidents in the UK based on an analysis of data gathered by the Department of Transport and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Here are the top dangerous roads for fatalities:

1. A6 which runs from Luton to Carlisle
2. A5 which runs from London to the Irish Sea
3. A40 which runs from London to Goodwick
4. A38 which runs from Bodmin to Mansfield
5. A1 which runs from London to Edinburgh

At Transmode, our fleet and drivers are well versed in planning our journeys ahead so we drive safely every time. You can rely on us to get your cargo delivered to where it needs to be and in the same condition as it leaves. If you’re interested in finding out more about our services, contact us today.

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