Star treatment for UK roads

Britain's roads are to be given 'crash test-style' star ratings to show how dangerous they are

Auto Express Car Reviews

08th January 2007

More than 4,500 miles of main highways are being analysed in a scheme that's similar to the industry-recognised Euro NCAP assessment for vehicle safety. The more stars a road is awarded, the safer it is.

In the test, a top four-star route poses the least risk to drivers. One or no stars indicates the most 'dangerous' roads. Special surveyors will consider three main types of accident:

In the test, a top four-star route poses the least risk to drivers
Head-on crashes: How well is traffic separated? Any overtaking disincentives on dangerous stretches?

Run-off crashes: How well are drivers protected against hitting rigid poles, signs, lamp posts and trees, or crashing down embankments?

Junction crashes: To what extent could a junction layout or turning frequency contribute towards smashes?

The assessment is being done by a team from German motoring organisation ADAC, co-funded by the AA Motoring Trust and Highways Agency.