If you're getting ready for a trip abroad, some research from the RAC might confirm what you’ve already suspected: 62% of drivers who have travelled in Europe believe that the roads there are in better shape than those in the UK.
What’s more surprising is that 17% of respondents think UK roads are in better condition than those in neighbouring countries. The opinion is similarly divided when it comes to motorways: 57% of drivers think European highways have fewer potholes, while 19% believe UK motorways are better.
According to the RAC, they asked drivers to compare five different aspects of driving in the UK and Europe, and the UK only came out on top in one category. When it comes to road signs, 55% of respondents said there’s no real difference between the two, 10% think European signs are clearer, and 30% prefer the UK’s. Of course, the fact that UK drivers are more familiar with their own road signs and language might have influenced these results.
Painted road markings were also rated, with 37% of drivers saying that foreign road markings are easier to read, while 21% preferred the UK’s, and 32% didn’t notice much difference.
The survey also tackled the issue of roadside litter—a big problem in the UK with fly-tipping and careless drivers throwing rubbish out of their cars. 34% of respondents said they noticed less litter on European roads, while only 11% thought UK roads were cleaner.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said “To hear drivers think they (roads) are significantly worse than elsewhere in Europe is shocking,”
“If other countries can manage to have decent quality highways to drive on, why can’t we? It’s even more concerning from a safety perspective to learn just how many drivers think the UK’s motorways are plagued with potholes compared to the smooth surfaces of their European counterparts, as it’s these high-speed routes that carry most traffic.”
What do you think? Are UK roads the worst in Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
