The Great British Motorway Report
Motorways are central to long-distance travel in the UK, carrying around 70 billion vehicle miles each year despite making up just 1% of the road network. However, journeys are not always stress-free, with our recent research finding that one in three motorists feel stressed when driving on motorways.
To explore what makes a smoother journey, the MoneySuperMarket Great British Motorway Report ranks the UK’s major motorways and motorway service stations based on factors affecting the driving experience. The report analyses congestion, collisions, service availability, food and drink options, EV charging and family-friendly facilities.
The UK's top motorways for drivers
While some routes are affected by heavy traffic and delays, others offer a more reliable and comfortable driving experience. Our ranking reveals the UK motorways that perform best overall, highlighting the routes where motorists can expect smoother journeys, fewer disruptions and better access to essential facilities.
1. M48
The M48, which connects Gloucestershire in England with Monmouthshire in South Wales via the Severn Bridge, ranks as the UK’s top motorway for drivers thanks to its low collision risk and limited disruption. Despite being one of the shortest routes analysed at 13 miles long, the M48 recorded one of the lowest collision risks at 0.048 collisions per km. It recorded just one collision in the past year, and 245 on-road incidents and 177 junction incidents. With one service station available to drivers, the M48 offers a short yet reliable route for motorists.
2. M180
Running between South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, the M180 ranks second overall, performing strongly across safety and driver convenience measures. The 25-mile route has two service stations, leaving an average of just 12.5 miles between stops, making it one of the better-served motorways in the index. It also recorded only eight collisions over the past year, with a collision risk of 0.199 per km. Traffic also flows relatively smoothly with average delays of just 6.02 seconds per vehicle per mile, indicating fairly low levels of congestion.
3. M54
Connecting the West Midlands with Telford and Shropshire, the M54 ranks third as a result of its efficient traffic flow and minimal disruption, earning third place overall. The 23-mile motorway recorded one of the lowest average delays analysed at 3.7 seconds per vehicle per mile, alongside six collisions in the past year. While it has only one service station, its relatively low incident levels suggest drivers can expect smooth and efficient journeys.
Top motorways ranked
Rank | Motorway | Number of services | Distance between service stations (miles) | Number of collisions in the past year | Collision risk | Average delay | Traffic flow | Number of incidents on the road per year | Number of incidents at junctions per year | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | M48 | 1.0 | 13.0 | 1 | 0.048 | 8.66 | 12,768 | 245 | 177 | 70.6 |
2 | M180 | 2.0 | 12.5 | 8 | 0.199 | 6.02 | 21,303 | 1,031 | 993 | 61.7 |
3 | M54 | 1.0 | 23.0 | 6 | 0.162 | 3.7 | 23,783 | 839 | 790 | 60.7 |
4 | M23 | 1.0 | 16.0 | 6 | 0.233 | 4.06 | 43,198 | 3,849 | 3,791 | 60.5 |
5 | M6T | 1.0 | 27.0 | - | - | 2.38 | 15,480 | 510 | 0 | 59.1 |
6 | M45 | 0.0 | - | 0 | 0 | 5.92 | 6,905 | 158 | 31 | 57.4 |
7 | M56 | 3.0 | 11.3 | 24 | 0.439 | 9.66 | 53,356 | 5,400 | 5,348 | 55.4 |
8 | M5 | 11.0 | 15.1 | 68 | 0.255 | 5.88 | 47,141 | 18,568 | 17,892 | 53.8 |
9 | M49 | 0.0 | - | 1 | 0.125 | 7.54 | 14,307 | 268 | 265 | 53.2 |
10 | M40 | 4.0 | 22.3 | 41 | 0.286 | 3.3 | 44,206 | 10,372 | 10,150 | 52.1 |
The UK's most challenging motorways to drive on
1. M60
Encircling Greater Manchester and linking many of the region’s motorways, the M60 recorded the lowest overall score in the index due to a combination of journey delays, collision risk and disruption levels. Despite handling significant volumes of traffic, the M60 experienced some of the highest average delays, at 15.58 seconds per vehicle per mile. Alongside this, the M60 saw 34 collisions in the past year and has a collision risk of 0.599 per km. Despite these challenges, the M60 remains an essential route for regional connectivity.
2. M25
The M25 ranked second lowest in the index. Stretching around Greater London and connecting key routes across the South East, this important route recorded the highest average traffic flow in the analysis, at 68,389 vehicles, underlining its role as a major connection around London and the wider South East. However, this high level of use was accompanied by significant journey delays, averaging 15.36 seconds per vehicle per mile, as well as 207 collisions and a collision risk of 1.099 per km.
3. M11
Running from the outskirts of London to Cambridgeshire, the M11 provides a key north-south link between the capital and the wider East of England, but ranked third lowest in the index. The motorway stretches 51 miles yet has just one service station, meaning drivers have fewer stopping opportunities compared with many other routes. The M11 also recorded 44 collisions in the past year, resulting in a collision risk of 0.536 collisions per km, while average delays stood at 8.7 seconds per vehicle per mile.
Most challenging motorways ranked
Rank | Motorway | Number of services | Distance between service stations (miles) | Number of collisions in the past year | Collision risk | Average delay | Traffic flow | Number of incidents on the road per year | Number of incidents at junctions | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | M60 | 0.0 | - | 34 | 0.599 | 15.58 | 64,835 | 6,719 | 6,663 | 25.2 |
2 | M25 | 4.0 | 29.3 | 207 | 1.099 | 15.36 | 68,389 | 31,188 | 30,350 | 27.5 |
3 | M11 | 1.0 | 51.0 | 44 | 0.536 | 8.7 | 34,875 | 6,189 | 6,095 | 28.7 |
4 | M621 | 0.0 | - | 16 | 1.24 | 12.66 | 32,192 | 489 | 479 | 31.9 |
5 | M602 | 0.0 | - | 6 | 0.938 | 15.3 | 34,337 | 553 | 542 | 34.9 |
6 | M55 | 0.0 | - | 14 | 0.725 | 5.22 | 25,679 | 888 | 824 | 35.1 |
7 | M606 | 0.0 | - | 5 | 1.042 | 16.14 | 26,007 | 270 | 265 | 36.5 |
8 | M27 | 1.0 | 28.0 | 32 | 0.71 | 11.16 | 51,909 | 4,584 | 4,518 | 36.8 |
9 | M62 | 4.0 | 26.8 | 78 | 0.453 | 8.98 | 48,458 | 20,240 | 19,440 | 38.4 |
10 | M65 | 1.0 | 28.0 | 34 | 0.754 | 4.38 | 29,467 | 1,525 | 1,491 | 39.7 |
Alicia Hempsted at MoneySuperMarket comments:
“Feeling stressed about motorway driving is more common than many drivers realise, especially for those who use them less often. Higher speeds, multiple lanes and busy junctions can feel intimidating, but a little preparation can make journeys much more manageable.
"If you're feeling anxious, allow extra time for your journey so you don't feel pressured to rush or make last-minute decisions. Plan your route in advance, including where you'll stop for breaks, as regular rest stops can help you stay alert and reduce stress on longer trips. If you’re travelling alone, consider sharing your route with someone you trust if it helps you feel more comfortable, but avoid putting pressure on yourself to stick to a strict arrival time.
"Finally, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey by checking your tyres, fuel level, lights and fluid levels before you leave. It's also worth reviewing your car insurance so you understand what you're covered for if something unexpected happens. Knowing your cover is in place can provide valuable peace of mind and help you set off with greater confidence."
The UK’s top motorway service stations
A motorway stop can make a significant difference to motorists’ overall journey experience, whether drivers are looking for a quick refreshment break, somewhere to recharge, or facilities that make longer trips easier.
To identify the service stations that offer the strongest all-round experience, we analysed factors including customer ratings, food and drink choice, shopping options, EV charging availability, family facilities and dog-friendly amenities.
1. Moto Cherwell Valley - M40
Cherwell Valley ranks as the UK’s top motorway service station, achieving the highest overall score. Located on the M40, it offers 11 food and drink options, four shops and 24 EV charging points. It also provides family and pet-friendly facilities, including a soft play area and a dog walking area. Despite having a fairly average Google rating of 3.9 out of 5, its combination of choice, convenience and facilities helped Cherwell Valley secure the top position.
2. Tebay Services - M6
Located on both sides of the M6 motorway between junctions 38 and 39, Tebay ranks second with one of the highest Google ratings in the analysis, at 4.3 out of 5, alongside four shops, 12 EV charging points and family-friendly facilities including a soft play area. It also provides a designated dog walking area, making it a popular option for drivers travelling with children or pets.
3. Welcome Break Hopwood Park Services - M42
In third place is Hopwood Park on the M42, which offers 13 food and drink choices, two shops, a soft play area and a designated dog walking area. Hopwood Park also offers 40 EV charging points, the highest number of charging points after only Exeter services (58), making it one of the ‘greenest’ service stations.
4. Welcome Break Oxford Services - M40
Oxford - M40 shared third place. The service station recorded a Google rating of 4.1 out of 5 and offers the largest selection of food and drink options among the top five, with 14 choices available. It also has three shops and 32 EV charging points, making it an incredibly convenient stop for drivers.
Top service stations ranked
Rank | Service station | Google rankings | Number of food and drink choices | Number of shops | Number of EV charging points (connectors) | Presence of soft play areas | Presence of dog walking areas | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cherwell Valley | 3.9 | 11 | 4 | 24 | Yes | Yes | 75.1 |
2 | Tebay | 4.3 | 8 | 4 | 12 | Yes | Yes | 70.7 |
3 | Hopwood Park | 3.9 | 13 | 2 | 40 | Yes | Yes | 69.7 |
4 | Oxford - M40 | 4.1 | 14 | 3 | 32 | No | Yes | 69.5 |
5 | Strensham | 3.9 | 11 | 4 | 11 | Yes | Yes | 67.2 |
6 | Cobham M25 | 4.1 | 15 | 3 | 24 | Yes | No | 66.4 |
7 | Gloucester | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 12 | Yes | Yes | 66.3 |
8 | Baldock | 4.1 | 12 | 3 | 24 | Yes | No | 64.1 |
9 | Peterborough | 4 | 11 | 3 | 24 | Yes | No | 59.7 |
10 | Beaconsfield | 4.2 | 15 | 3 | 7 | Yes | No | 59.3 |
The UK's least driver-friendly service stations
While some service stations ranked highly, others scored lower due to fewer facilities or a more limited range of options. These locations are often smaller roadside stops, offering a more basic break experience for drivers.
1. Moto Leeming Bar - A1(M)
Leeming Bar, located on the A1(M) at Junction 51 in North Yorkshire, ranks as the UK's least driver-friendly service station with a Google rating of 3.2 out of 5. The service station has just two food and drink options, with no shops, dog walking area or soft play facilities.
2. Bridgwater Services - M5
Bridgwater Services, located on the M5 in Somerset, comes second. Despite providing more amenities than some other lower-ranked service stations with six food and drink options alongside two shops, it has a Google rating of 3.1 out of 5, the lowest in the overall ranking.
3. Hamilton Services - M74
Hamilton Services, located on the M74 in South Lanarkshire, takes third place. The service station offers four food and drink options and one shop, and also lacks both soft play and dog walking facilities, contributing to its lower ranking.
Worst service stations ranked
Rank | Service Station | Google rankings | Number of food and drink choices | Number of shops | Number of EV charging points (connectors) | Presence of soft play areas | Presence of dog walking areas | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Leeming Bar | 3.2 | 2 | 0 | 10 | No | No | 5.3 |
2 | Bridgwater | 3.1 | 6 | 2 | 2 | No | No | 6.1 |
3 | Hamilton | 3.9 | 4 | 1 | - | No | No | 8.0 |
4 | Taunton Deane | 3.7 | 9 | 1 | 3 | No | No | 8.8 |
5 | Doncaster | 3.8 | 7 | 2 | 4 | No | No | 10.3 |
5 | Maidstone | 3.8 | 7 | 2 | 4 | No | No | 10.3 |
6 | Cullompton | 3.9 | 4 | 1 | 6 | No | No | 10.5 |
7 | Cardiff Gate | 3.8 | 7 | 2 | 5 | No | No | 11.0 |
8 | Frankley | 3.8 | 8 | 2 | 3 | No | No | 11.4 |
9 | Pont Abraham | 3.9 | 4 | 1 | 9 | No | No | 12.9 |
Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, comments:
“The best service stations are not just about convenience, they can help drivers make safer choices on long journeys. A proper break means stepping away from the driving seat, rather than simply stopping to refuel or check your phone. The Highway Code recommends taking a minimum break of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving, or if you feel at all sleepy, making sure to stop in a safe place such as a service station. For families, pet owners and EV drivers especially, having facilities that encourage longer, more comfortable stops can make motorway journeys feel less stressful.
“Rather than focusing on the entire trip ahead, planning stops gives drivers clear milestones and time to reset, even by simply getting some fresh air. A calm, well-rested driver is more likely to make confident decisions behind the wheel.”
As motorway traffic continues to grow, understanding which routes and service stations offer the best driving experience can help motorists make more informed decisions and enjoy smoother journeys. By using this guide to prepare your journey, you can help reduce stress, improve safety and travel with greater confidence.
Methodology and sources
The Great British Motorway Report was created by MoneySuperMarket using public datasets and internal data to assess UK motorways and motorway service stations.
The analysis used two indexes: a motorway ranking based on journey quality, including traffic, delays, collisions and service access; and a service station ranking based on facilities, choice and convenience.
Motorway index
Motorways were scored across journey efficiency, safety, traffic demand and service availability, with individual metrics combined into an overall score.
Service availability
Motorway Services Online data was used to assess:
Number of service stations
Listed truck stops
Average distance between services
Motorway lengths were sourced from SABRE.
Road safety
Department for Transport provisional 2025 casualty data was used to measure:
Total collisions
Collision risk per kilometre
Data covered January to June 2025 and was filtered to motorways only. The M6 Toll was included within M6 figures.
Journey efficiency
Department for Transport speed, delay and reliability data was used to measure average delay per vehicle per mile, using figures from 2021 to 2025. The Department for Transport notes 2025 data may not be directly comparable with previous years.
Traffic volumes
UK Government AADF data was used to calculate average traffic flow and vehicle volumes across motorway count points.
Incidents
MoneySuperMarket internal data was used to assess motorway and junction incidents.
Motorway service station index
Service stations were ranked on customer ratings, food and drink choice, shopping, EV charging and additional facilities. Metrics were combined into an overall score.
Measures included:
Customer ratings: Google ratings, where available
Food and drink: Number of catering outlets listed by Motorway Services Online (excluding forecourt-only outlets)
Shopping: Number of listed retail outlets
EV charging: Available connectors using Zapmap data
Family and pet facilities: Soft play areas and dog walking areas
Additional amenities: Hotels, showers, arcades, cash machines and other listed facilities
Where services were split by direction, facilities were counted once per distinct site.
Data collection date: 15 July 2026
Author
Sara Newell
Commercial Director
Sara Newell is the Commercial Director for Motor & Home Insurance at MoneySuperMarket. With almost 20 years of experience in insurance, Sara has built a reputation as a results-driven leader who...
