Destination delays: Motorway closures on the rise as hotspots revealed
12 June 2025
- Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals that motorway closures in England rose by 18% in 2024. *
- The member-owned business also found that total closures of both carriageways has increased by 14%. **
- Meanwhile, the M6 between junction 6 and junction 7 near Birmingham has seen the most motorway road closures so far in 2025, whilst the A1M at junction 63 northbound at Chester-le-Street was closed most in 2024.
- This comes as Co-op Insurance reminds drivers to ensure that they plan their journey carefully and stay safe while driving.
Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from National Highways reveals that motorway road closures rose by 18% in 2024.
The member-owned business’ findings highlight that the number of motorway road closures recorded by National Highways in England increased to more than 6870 last year, with incidents of total closures of both carriageways rising by 14% to just over 280.
When it came to the roads worst affected by closures, the member-owned business found that junction 63 of the A1M at Chester-Le-Street was closed the most, last year. Indeed, this northbound stretch faced closure on 127 occasions. This was followed by the M53 at junction eight northbound in Ellesmere Port and the M6 between junction 21 and 21a in Warrington.
Notably, four out of the top 10 junction locations with the highest number of road closures, last year, were in Yorkshire, with three on the M621 in Leeds. Elsewhere, three of the top 10 were in Cheshire, with two on the M53.
| Rank | Junction location | Direction | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A1M J63 | Northbound | North East |
| 2 | M53 J8 | Northbound | North West |
| 3 | M6 J21/21a | Northbound | North West |
| 4 | M621 J7 | Southbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 5 | M621 M1/J7 | Eastbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 6 | M62 J37/38 | Eastbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 7 | M621 J27/1 | Eastbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 8 | M25 J28/27 | Anti-clockwise | South East |
| 9 | M53 J12/11 | Northbound | North West |
| 10 | M3 J5/4a | Eastbound | South West |
Meanwhile, so far this year, the M6 between junctions 6 and 7 between Spaghetti Junction and Great Barr in the West Midlands has been closed more than any other stretch of motorway, ahead of junctions 37 to 38, on the A1M near Doncaster and the M1 between junctions 23a and 24 near East Midlands Airport.
| Rank | Junction location | Direction | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M6 J6/7 | Northbound | West Midlands |
| 2 | A1M J37/38 | Northbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 3 | M1 J24/23a | Southbound | East Midlands |
| 4 | M5 J25/26 | Southbound | South West |
| 5 | M180 J4/5 | Westbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 6 | M69 J2/1 | Westbound | West Midlands |
| 7 | M180 J5/4 | Eastbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 8 | M5 AFTER J1 | Southbound | West Midlands |
| 9 | M62 J36/37 | Eastbound | Yorkshire and Humber |
| 10 | M25 J24/J25 | Clockwise | South East |
Road closures can lead to an increase in journey times and, therefore, tiredness among motorists, as well as potentially resulting in heightened stress or frustration. This can impair driving performance and safety, which raises the risk of accidents and incidents occurring.
As such, Co-op Insurance is reminding drivers to ensure they plan their journeys carefully, take regular breaks and carry out safety checks so that they can anticipate disruptions and prepare for, what may be, a longer time spent behind the wheel.
Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:
“From commuting to leisure trips and visiting loved ones, our motorway network is a vital part of so many people’s daily journeys.
“However, our findings suggest that getting from A to B via the motorway can sometimes be less than straightforward, with road closures seemingly on the rise and particularly common on certain stretches of motorway.
"We're therefore urging drivers to plan their journeys carefully before they set off so that they can be prepared for any road closures, avoid rushed or panicked decisions and safely navigate diversions.”
To find out more about Co-op Insurance visit: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance
-ENDS-
Data from National Highways as of 16th May 2025. * 6,874 total road closures on motorways in England in 2024 recorded by National Highways v 5,812 incidents in 2023. ** 283 total closures of both carriageways recorded in 2024 v 247 total closures of both carriageways in 2023.
Junction locations: Road closures – https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1epXSlBUnAHb3_r2RHJqbCvaoR4cUTQQ&ll=50.48589243992359%2C-1.9956705849966916&z=5
For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk
About Co-op: Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance, and legal services. Owned by over 6 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 6,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 54,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.