Highways of Hell? Drivers tell of potholes, middle lane hogging and misleading signs on our Motorways - The AA

From rampant dangerous driving behaviours to misleading signage and deteriorating road conditions, a new AA survey* of over 14,000 drivers paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by motorists on the UK's motorways. This highlights an urgent need for improvements in driver behaviour via education and enforcement, and the accuracy of motorway information. 

Dangerous Driving Behaviours

Drivers are fed up with the reckless antics of others on the road. Middle lane hogging, reported by a staggering 88% of drivers, tops the list of dangerous behaviours, causing congestion and frustration. Equally alarming, 88% of drivers have seen vehicles tailgating dangerously close to the car in front, ramping up the risk of accidents.

It's important to note that some of these behaviours are not only dangerous but also illegal, with legal consequences such as fines and points on the driver's license.

The survey also exposes critical safety concerns around seatbelt usage. Not wearing a seatbelt is not just risky—it's illegal and can lead to hefty fines and points on your license.

• Middle Lane Hogging: 88% of drivers have observed middle lane hogging.
• Driving Too Close: 88% of drivers reported seeing vehicles driving too close to the vehicle in front.
• Undertaking: 85% of drivers have witnessed undertaking.
• Swooping: 83% of drivers observed swooping.
• Tailgating: 83% of drivers reported tailgating.
• Lane Changing Without Signalling: 82% of drivers have seen other motorists changing lanes without signalling.
• Other Motorists Changing Lanes During Heavy Traffic: 79% of drivers have observed other motorists changing lanes during heavy traffic.
• Not Allowing Traffic to Merge: 63% of drivers observed vehicles not pulling out to allow traffic to join at a junction.
• Using Hand-Held Mobile Phones: 63% of drivers reported seeing motorists using hand-held mobile phones while driving.
• Driver Not Wearing a Seatbelt: 15% of drivers have observed drivers not wearing a seatbelt.
• Passengers Not Wearing Seatbelts: 14% of drivers have seen passengers not wearing seatbelts.
• Crossing Chevrons: 61% of drivers witnessed vehicles crossing the chevrons towards the exit after passing the exit slip road.

Misleading Signage

The survey revealed significant frustrations among drivers regarding the accuracy and reliability of motorway signage. 75% of drivers have encountered lane closure signs with no incident occurring when they passed the affected area. Additionally, 66% of drivers reported experiencing signs indicating congestion blockage, only to find no clear and obvious reason for the congestion when they passed the area.

• Lane Closure Signs: 75% of drivers reported encountering lane closure signs with no incident happening when they passed the affected area.
• Congestion Blockage Signs: Two thirds (66%) of drivers experienced signs indicating congestion blockage but found no clear and obvious reason for the congestion when they passed the area.
• Debris in Road Signs: 65% of drivers reported seeing signs warning of debris in the road but found nothing clear and obvious when they passed the affected area.
• Traffic Congestion without Signals: 54% of drivers encountered traffic congestion without any signal set to warn them.
• Speed Limit Changes: 41% of drivers experienced speed limit signs being removed and changed to "end" while the traffic was still stationary or slow-moving.
• Breakdown/Collision without Signals: One third (33%) of drivers reported seeing breakdowns or collisions without any signal set to warn them.

Road Conditions:

The survey reveals drivers' dissatisfaction with the state of the motorways. Complaints range from poor road markings to litter, congestion, lighting, and the quality of service areas.

• Road Markings: 10% of drivers rated road markings poorly, with just 30% saying they were excellent.
• Condition of the Road: A fifth (22%) said condition of the road was poor, highlighting the need for regular maintenance and improvements.
• Amount of Litter: Almost a third (30%) of drivers rated the amount of litter as poor, indicating a need for better litter management.
• Congestion: 32% of drivers rated congestion poorly, empathising the need for effective traffic management strategies.
• Lighting: 20% of drivers rated lighting as excellent, which suggests satisfaction with visibility and safety during night-time travel.
• Number and Quality of Service Areas: Less than a fifth (18%) of drivers rated the number and quality of service areas as excellent, with 13% saying the facilities were poor -  highlighting the need for better facilities and more frequent rest stops.

Jack Cousens, Head of Roads Policy at the AA, said: "Statistics show that motorways are the safest type of road, there remain several reasons that need addressing to make them safer.

"The main focus should be on ourselves as drivers. Middle lane hogging and tailgating are everyday occurrences, while two thirds are spotted using a hand-held mobile phone at speeds around 70mph. The prevalence of dangerous driving behaviours is alarming and highlights the need for stricter enforcement and better driver education.

“Additionally, the high incidence of misleading signage, particularly around breakdowns and potential obstacles in the lane, alongside poor road conditions is a major frustration for drivers. Ensuring that motorway information is accurate and timely, and that road conditions are regularly maintained, is crucial for safety as well as improving the overall driving experience.

“The AA is committed to working with the relevant authorities to address these issues and enhance the reliability of motorway signage, as well as to promote safer driving practices and better road conditions across the UK."

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

* Yonder received 14,076 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 14^th to 21^st  January 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.