Britain has one of many most secure highway networks in Europe but additionally a number of the worst congestion, based on new evaluation by LeaseCar.
The UK recorded an total index rating of 63 out of 100 throughout security, visitors, highway high quality and gasoline costs, rating 18th out of the international locations analysed. The findings reveal a stark distinction: a powerful security file overshadowed by poor visitors circulation.
Security successful story
The UK stands out for its low highway accident fatality fee – simply 24 deaths per 1 million folks. Solely a handful of nations, together with Norway (16) and Sweden (20), reported fewer fatalities per head of inhabitants. LeaseCar mentioned this displays “the effectiveness of the nation’s highway security measures and infrastructure”.
Congestion a rising concern
The nation’s total rating was pulled down by visitors delays, with the UK positioned thirty fourth for congestion. London stays probably the most gridlocked metropolis, with hotspots such because the A40 Westway and the M25 close to the Wisley Interchange. Different main cities – Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham – additionally endure closely, inflicting day by day disruption for tens of millions.
Street high quality and gasoline prices
On highway high quality, the UK sits in the midst of the European desk at seventeenth, scoring 4.9 out of a attainable 7. Whereas this means roads are broadly serviceable, many drivers proceed to report frustrations with potholes and floor defects.
Gas costs are one other middling consequence. The UK ranked twenty second, with common costs in early August 2025 at 135–137p per litre for petrol and 142–144p per litre for diesel. Georgia provided the most affordable petrol at £0.82 per litre, whereas Iceland topped the chart at £1.89.
Harmful and high-risk routes
Though motorways are typically safer per mile travelled, excessive visitors volumes on the A1, A38 and M25 imply they account for a big share of whole incidents. Rural single-carriageway A-roads stay probably the most hazardous. The A537 “Cat and Fiddle Street” between Macclesfield and Buxton has one of many highest accident charges, notably amongst motorcyclists. The A57 Snake Move within the Peak District, the steep ascents of Hardknott and Kirkstone passes within the Lake District, and the A628 over the Pennines are additionally highlighted for his or her difficult circumstances and accident historical past.
European comparability
- Finest highway high quality: The Netherlands (6.4), adopted by Switzerland (6.3)
- Worst highway high quality: Moldova (2.6) and Serbia (2.7)
- Least congested: Estonia, aided by its low inhabitants density
- Highest highway fatalities: Georgia, linked to poor driver behaviour, an ageing fleet and restricted enforcement
Tim Alcock, gross sales and advertising director at LeaseCar, mentioned the analysis “highlights that whereas the UK has a number of the most secure roads, we nonetheless face challenges with visitors congestion. The findings present a transparent image for policymakers and stakeholders, indicating that whereas security is successful story, addressing visitors congestion stays a essential precedence for the UK’s highway community”.
The total desk of knowledge may be seen right here.
