As drivers head off on road trips this upcoming Bank Holiday, a new study by LeaseCar has revealed a stark contrast in the performance of the UK’s road network.
While the UK boasts some of the safest roads in Europe, its drivers are contending with some of the continent’s most severe traffic congestion, leading to an overall ranking of 18th out of the countries analysed. This mixed result shines a spotlight on the significant challenges facing UK road users and policymakers.
The analysis, which gave the UK an overall index score of 63 out of 100, shows a country excelling in safety but struggling with efficiency. The findings will likely resonate with millions of commuters and drivers who face daily delays on the UK’s notoriously congested roads.
The UK’s overall ranking is heavily influenced by its poor performance in traffic congestion, where it was ranked 34th for traffic out of the countries analysed. This indicates that UK roads are among the most congested in Europe, a finding likely to resonate with many drivers.
Contrarily, the UK demonstrates a strong commitment to road safety. The study found that the UK has one of the lowest road accident fatality rates, with just 24 deaths per 1 million people. This positive result underscores the effectiveness of the country’s road safety measures and infrastructure.
The UK’s road quality also places it in the middle of the pack, ranking 17th with a road quality score of 4.9 out of a maximum of 7. This suggests that while roads are of a reasonable standard, there is room for improvement, as many drivers contending with frequent pot holes in their local areas will attest to.
On the issue of fuel costs, the UK sits near the middle of the ranking for petrol prices, coming in at 22nd. As of early August 2025, the average price of fuel in the UK is 135p to 137p per litre for petrol (unleaded) or 142p to 144p per litre for diesel.
European data insights:
- Cheapest Petrol: Georgia boasts the cheapest petrol prices at £0.82 per litre, followed by Turkiye at £0.87.
- Most Expensive Petrol: Iceland has the priciest petrol at £1.89 per litre, with the Netherlands close behind at £1.68, largely due to high government taxes.
- Best Road Quality: The Netherlands leads for road quality with a score of 6.4, closely followed by Switzerland (6.3).
- Worst Road Quality: Moldova (2.6) and Serbia (2.7) have the lowest quality roads.
- Least Traffic: Estonia enjoys the lowest traffic levels (75.3), primarily due to its low population density.
- Safest Roads: Norway is the safest European country for road accident fatalities (16 deaths per 1 million people), thanks to its “Vision Zero” policy and rigorous driver training. Sweden is a close second (20 deaths per 1 million people).
- Highest Fatalities: Georgia has the highest road fatalities per 1 million people, attributed to poor driver behaviour, an aging vehicle fleet and insufficient law enforcement.
The most congested roads in Britain
Unsurprisingly to most, London is the UK’s most congested city. Drivers in the capital lose a significant number of hours each year to traffic delays, with specific routes like the A40 Westway and the M25 near the Wisley Interchange cited as particular hotspots. Beyond London, other major cities facing severe congestion issues include Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham, impacting daily travel for millions.
Most dangerous roads
While urban areas struggle with gridlock, rural roads present a different, more serious risk. Further analysis highlights several single-carriageway A-roads with high rates of fatal or serious accidents, often characterized by sharp bends, steep gradients and limited visibility. The A537, known as the “Cat and Fiddle Road,” which runs between Macclesfield and Buxton, is singled out for its high accident rate, particularly among motorcyclists. Similarly, the dramatic bends of the A57 (Snake Pass) in the Peak District and the steep ascents of Hardknott Pass and Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District are noted for their challenging and often treacherous conditions. The A628 over the Pennines is also identified as a route with a high accident rate, especially during poor weather.
Worst UK Motorways
While Motorway routes are generally safer per mile traveled, high traffic volumes on key motorways like the A1, the A38 and the M25 contribute to a high total number of incidents, underscoring the constant need for driver vigilance on these critical arteries.
Tim Alcock, Sales and Marketing Director at LeaseCar commented on the study: “Our research highlights that while the UK has some of the safest roads, we still face challenges with traffic congestion.The findings provide a clear picture for policymakers and stakeholders, indicating that while safety is a success story, addressing traffic congestion remains a critical priority for the UK’s road network.”
