The A19 has been ranked as one of England's best roads, with over three out of four drivers satisfied with their experience. The national survey by independent watchdog Transport Focus, which quizzed 9,500 drivers on their last journey on a motorway or 'A' road, placed the North East route an impressive fifth overall.
Top Ranking in North East and Yorkshire
The Strategic Roads User Survey, focusing on routes managed by National Highways, also saw the A19 become the highest ranked road in the North East and Yorkshire, with 77% of drivers asked being 'satisfied overall' from their most recent journey. This represents a strong performance for the major route.
Adding to the commendation, the A19 achieved the highest road surface satisfaction score of any road in England, with 84%. One driver commented: "Road was at a good standard, no potholes, no roadworks and didn't get stuck in any major traffic."
Regional Improvements
Other regional results saw the A1(M) placing 12th, and the A1 sitting at 23rd, indicating that this area had some of the strongest improvements in the survey. Driver satisfaction in the region increased from 66% to 72%, journey time satisfaction rose from 65% to 71%, and road surface satisfaction improved from 71% to 77%.
As a result, the North East and Yorkshire moved from below the national average in 2024/2025 to joint second place for overall satisfaction in 2025/26. While there have been national improvements, this region is ahead of the curve.
Transport Focus Response
Louise Collins, Director at Transport Focus, said: "It's encouraging to see drivers in Yorkshire and the North East reporting a better experience across several key measures this year. Overall satisfaction, journey time and road surface satisfaction have all improved, while the A19 continues to perform strongly and is one of the highest-rated roads in England. These results show that positive improvements to the road user experience are possible."
She added: "They also underline the importance of making sure those improvements are felt consistently across the network. With a major programme of renewals ahead, National Highways has a clear opportunity to build on what works well and keep disruption to a minimum."
Future Renewal Programme
This comes as National Highways prepares for a major five-year renewal programme, set to be one of the largest periods of improvements since the majority of the network was built in the 1960s. Transport Focus is calling on the company to help drivers plan ahead and avoid delays from these roadworks.
