Leeds motorway is one of the roads drivers are ‘least satisfied with’ - M62, A1, A1(M), A19 rankings

A new survey has found that the M62 is one of the motorways that drivers are least satisfied using.

More than 9,500 motorists across the country were asked about their last journey on a motorway or major ‘A’ road. It included some of the roads that Leeds drivers are likely very familiar with.

The A19 was the highest rated road in Yorkshire and the North East - ranking fifth nationally - with 77 per cent of drivers satisfied overall.

It also achieved the highest road surface satisfaction score of any road in England, with 84 per cent satisfied. One driver summed this up: “Road was at a good standard, no potholes, no roadworks and didn’t get stuck in any major traffic.”

Other roads in the region, however, recorded more mixed results. In the national rankings, the A1(M) placed 12th, the A1 23rd and the M62 26th out of 32 selected roads.

Yorkshire and the North East saw some of the strongest improvements of any region in this year's survey. Overall satisfaction increased from 66 per cent to 72 per cent, journey time satisfaction rose from 65 per cent to 71 per cent, and road surface satisfaction improved from 71 per cent to 77 per cent.

As a result, the region moved from below the national average last year to joint second place for overall satisfaction in 2025/26.

Nationally, overall satisfaction increased to 71 per cent, with improvements in journey time, road surface and roadworks management.

While satisfaction with roadworks management has improved this year, it remains one of the weaker performing areas, with 50 per cent of drivers satisfied. Drivers who passed through roadworks were much less satisfied with their journey overall (58 per cent) than those who did not encounter roadworks (77 per cent).

Louise Collins, Director at Transport Focus, said: “It’s encouraging to see drivers in Yorkshire and the North East reporting a better experience across several key measures this year. Overall satisfaction, journey time and road surface satisfaction have all improved, while the A19 continues to perform strongly and is one of the highest-rated roads in England.

“These results show that positive improvements to the road user experience are possible. They also underline the importance of making sure those improvements are felt consistently across the network.

“With a major programme of renewals ahead, National Highways has a clear opportunity to build on what works well and keep disruption to a minimum.”

The findings come as National Highways prepares for a major five-year renewals programme as part of the third Road Investment Strategy, which is expected to mean road users facing more roadworks.

Transport Focus is calling on National Highways to help drivers plan ahead, avoid unnecessary delays and understand what is happening before and during roadworks.