The M6 has been named the least satisfactory motorway in England.

In Transport Focus’ strategic roads user survey, the M6 had the lowest overall satisfaction at 66 per cent.

More than 9000 road users took part in the watchdog’s survey about their last journey on a motorway or major ‘A’ road managed by National Highways.

The A27 receives the lowest level of overall satisfaction (59 per cent), followed by the A12 (61 per cent).

Journeys on smart motorways had lower levels of satisfaction with road users than those that did not include a smart section (smart 69 per cent; not smart 76 per cent).

Topping the survey was the M5, between the Midlands and the Southwest, at 82 per cent.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “As the so-called backbone of Britain, the M6 is a vital route which National Highways must continue to focus on delivering safe, smooth journeys.

“We’ll continue to keep pushing National Highways to improve these issues.”

One driver using the M6 said: “Terrible tarmac conditions in places, matrix signs not up to date, unwarranted smart motorway speed limits.”

Long stretches of the road are subject to lower speed limits of 50mph and 40mph in Cumbria for roadworks, with average speed check cameras operating throughout.

However, road users will be delighted to hear that the 40mph stretch near Penrith is going this month, only temporarily.

It is in place between junctions 39 and 40, and has seen 2.5 miles of the M6 operating with two narrow lanes in both directions and a 40mph speed limit.

It was introduced earlier this year to support the repair of Lowther Bridge, however, that scheme has been paused to allow for the completion of surveys which will help National Highways further understand and mitigate the environmental impact of the essential maintenance.

Work on the project is due to restart next year once the surveys and scheme designs have been reviewed.

The roadworks and speed restrictions will be lifted on the northbound carriageway before 6am on September 22, and southbound before 6am on September 24. 

Before then, engineers will carry out resurfacing work and install a temporary central barrier.

This requires overnight closures of the M6 northbound carriageway between junctions 39 and 40 on September 20 and 21, and the southbound carriageway on September 22 and 23.

The closures run from 8pm to 6am, and the A6 will be the signposted diversion route.

In response to the survey, a spokesperson from National Highways said: “The opinions of drivers matter to us and this independent research helps us further understand how road users feel about our roads.

“We are pleased this research shows that satisfaction has improved as we have been working hard to improve the experience for road users.

“We will continue to work hard to help every driver have safer and smoother journeys.”