SRN driver satisfaction improves, but roadworks and safety remain key concerns

Driver satisfaction with England’s motorways and major A-roads has increased, although concerns remain over roadworks, infrastructure condition and safety, according to the latest Strategic Roads User Survey (SRUS) from independent watchdog Transport Focus.

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The annual survey, which measures the experience of people using roads managed by National Highways, found that overall satisfaction with longer journeys on the strategic road network improved compared with the previous year. The research assesses a range of factors including journey times, road surface quality, roadworks management, information provision and how safe drivers feel.

Transport Focus surveyed thousands of motorists across England to understand perceptions of the country's motorway and major A-road network. The organisation said the results provide insight into what matters most to road users and help identify areas where improvements are needed.

Roadworks continued to be a significant influence on driver satisfaction, with many users highlighting disruption, delays and uncertainty around the duration of works as areas requiring improvement. The findings come as National Highways enters a major period of investment and renewal activity through the current Road Investment Strategy, with extensive maintenance and improvement schemes planned across the strategic road network.

The survey also highlighted variations in satisfaction between individual routes. Recent SRUS results have shown that perceptions of particular motorways and A-roads can be strongly affected by factors including ongoing construction works, congestion levels and the quality of information provided to drivers.

Transport Focus said road users continue to place importance on reliable journey times, good-quality road surfaces and effective communication when disruption occurs. The organisation has previously called for road operators to focus not only on infrastructure improvements but also on how well users are informed and supported during periods of disruption.

The Department for Transport has said the development of RIS3 will consider user needs, network performance and long-term challenges including resilience, climate change and changing travel patterns.

The Transport Focus research suggests that while users recognise improvements in some areas, expectations remain high for a road network that is safe, reliable and able to support economic activity.