Exploring the A19: North Yorkshire's Historic Road from Selby to Teesside
- The A19 road in North Yorkshire achieved the highest satisfaction rating among major roads in a survey conducted by Transport Focus, receiving an 85% approval from users.
- The route has notable connections to iconic towns and cities, despite experiencing traffic congestion and accidents predominantly in urban areas.
- The recognition of the A19 as the UK’s best A road underscores the importance of maintaining existing roads over constructing new ones.
In a recent survey conducted by independent watchdog Transport Focus, the A19 road, which stretches from York through several key towns to Teesside in North Yorkshire, has been ranked as the best A road in the UK. The survey, which polled approximately 9,000 road users, highlighted an increase in overall satisfaction with the A19, rising from 77% the previous year to 85% in the latest results. The feedback noted that the road features clear signage, decent surfaces, and good markings, making it a preferable route for many drivers. Despite its accolades, some users reported that the A19 can be quite busy, experiencing significant traffic along certain portions. Bottlenecks are particularly common in urban areas like York and Selby, where local traffic tends to cause delays. Business owners along the road, such as those operating service stations, confirmed the high volume of motorists utilizing this route for their daily travels, bringing vital commerce to the area. Companies, including those in the transport sector, expressed mixed feelings about the road’s conditions, citing traffic challenges that come with its popularity. The A19 is known to connect several towns with historical significance, including ties to Roman origins, which may contribute to its appeal. The survey results emphasize the call for improved maintenance of existing roads and addressing user concerns regarding road quality and journey times. This reflects a broader trend where road users value the quality and maintenance of their routes more than the construction of new roads.