UK at bottom of motorway league table

New research has revealed what business motorists and other commercial drivers have known for years – Britain has the worst motorways in Europe.

The UK’s motorway network languishes at the bottom of a European league table based on the number of cars per motorway mile.

When compared the number of miles of motorway is compared to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) the UK is in 23rd place, falling behind Lithuania and Poland.

In terms of people per motorway mile the UK lies in 19th place, just ahead of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

The research is contained in the annual compilation of road statistics by the Road Users’ Alliance (RUA) which also highlights the economic implications of congestion.

RUA Director Tim Green pointed out that, like its European neighbours, the UK’s economy depends on its road network.

He said motorways carry 92% of passenger traffic and 88% of freight and despite vastly superior rail infrastructure similar figures still prevail in Europe, where only seven per cent of passengers travel by rail.

Yet with relatively low car ownership and the worst congestion in Europe, he added, the UK continues to pursue the notion that congestion charging and public transport can resolve its transport problems.