Driving on the motorway is something that is part of normal driving for many people and now learner drivers are even able to have lessons on the motorway. There is a lot to learn to make sure that you are using the motorway safely, from being aware of the signage and markings like these chapter 8 chevrons https://www.vehiclechevrons.com/ to what to do when you are on a smart motorway.
Motorways have been part of motorists’ lives for decades now – here are some facts about them…
The First Motorway in the UK – In the 1950s as the towns and cities became busier and more people were using their cars to get around, it became clear that new roads were needed to reduce the traffic in the towns and to allow people to get to where they were going faster. Plans for new motorways were created, and the first official motorway in the UK was opened – the Preston bypass.
Now this is part of the M6, but at the time it was one of a kind, and on opening day many people waited in their cars to be able to drive on it.
The Longest Motorway in the UK – At 231 miles long, the M6 takes the crown for being the longest motorway in the UK. Starting at its most southerly point in the midlands, the M6 goes all the way to the Scottish borders, and it wasn’t completed until 2008 when the road between Carlisle and Gretna Green was converted into part of the motorway too.
The Busiest Motorway in the UK – This title belongs to the M25, the motorway that orbits London. This is the busiest road in the UK by a long way as it circles the capital and is used by commuters on a daily basis. At 116 miles long, this motorway wasn’t opened officially until 1986. Since opening, the motorway has been widened in many areas to ease the heavy traffic, such as near to Heathrow airport.
The Highest Motorway in the UK – The M62 connects Hull and Liverpool and having to traverse the Pennines it is the highest motorway in the UK, often dubbed the mountain motorway. The highest point of the M62 is located in Saddleworth moor in the Peak district and was a challenge for designers and builders.
The Favourite Motorway in the UK – The M5 is named the UKs favourite motorway – going from the midlands down to Exeter in the South West, this is a favourite holiday route for many and this may be a big reason for why it is favoured! It is also the motorway that has the greatest satisfaction when it comes to journey time (although of course can get busy during the school holidays and bank holiday weekends).
