Satisfaction with roadworks on motorways and major A roads in England has fallen to its lowest level in six years – and some motorists perceive there is a lack of urgency to complete them.

 

The National Road Users’ Satisfaction Survey for 2016-17 gives roadworks on the strategic network a satisfaction score of 63%, down from 65% last year and a recent high of 72% three years ago. Poor information provision was cited as another reason for dissatisfaction with roadworks.

 

Motorists’ satisfaction with journey times stands at 87% (only one point down on last year) but the report compiled by user group Transport Focus points out that over the last six years satisfaction with journey times on motorways has steadily decreased.

 

It also found that 28% of journeys on the strategic network suffer from delays, with congestion the reason in 62% of cases.

 

Highways England fares better when it comes to satisfaction with signage (93% – up one point from last year), safety (92% – unchanged since last year) and upkeep of the network (90% – unchanged).

 

Reasons why motorists are not entirely satisfied with signage include variable message signs that either contain inaccurate information or are not updated quickly enough.

 

In terms of safety, poor lighting is among the main reasons given why drivers do not feel entirely safe and for upkeep, negative factors included potholes and a poor road surface.

 

Overall satisfaction with motorways and major A roads is relatively high at 89.1%, although just below the 90% target.

 

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “These results provide pointers to Highways England about where they should focus effort to improve road users’ satisfaction. Delivering satisfactory journey times and managing roadworks effectively on motorways are among the weaker areas within the survey.

 

“Users want journey times that are predictable. Delays caused by roadworks, congestion and accidents can undermine that. Satisfaction with journey time on motorways has decreased in the last six years, no doubt increasing traffic levels and roadworks to deliver extra capacity have played a part.”

 

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan responded: “We value the Transport Focus report and will combine that with our own insights to improve road users’ experiences on England’s motorways and strategic ‘A’ roads.

 

“Our planning for every investment puts customers at the heart of our work to ensure journeys on our roads are safe and reliable.”

 

(Photo: Alastair Lloyd)