20 hours ago
Map reveals UK's 10 most stressful junctions including a high-accident intersection & infamous ‘Magic Roundabout'
The UK's most stressful junctions have been ranked and rated - each infamous for causing numerous problems for motorists.
Scrap Car Comparison recently surveyed 1,000 UK drivers and asked them to rank road layouts based on feelings of confusion, anxiety, fear and confidence.
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These responses were then used to build a unique 'Stress Score' out of 100 - helping reveal the road layouts that most vehicle owners would rather avoid.
London's mind-boggling Hanger Lane Gyratory came on top as the most stressful to navigate.
The gyratory - which is essentially a large, circular intersection - is located in the north of the Ealing borough in West London and serves as a major junction where the A40 (Western Avenue) and the A406 (North Circular Road) intersect, with the A40 passing underneath in a tunnel.
It also connects to Ealing Road towards Wembley.
Outrageously complex, the confusing layout boasts a high accident rate and often causes a bottleneck for traffic
At peak times, it's known to take on some 10,000 vehicles per hour - making it not only very busy but also quite intimidating.
The infamous Magic Roundabout in Swindon followed closely behind in second place.
A multi-mini roundabout system, the roundabout - which gets its name from the popular British children's television show, "The Magic Roundabout" - is made up of five mini roundabouts arranged in a circle around a central island.
Though the mini roundabouts are all driven in a standard clockwise movement, it is possible to navigate the central island in an anticlockwise direction.
But despite being wildly confusing, the Magic Roundabout boasts a surprisingly good safety record - with only 14 serious accidents and approximately 100 minor incidents over the last 25 years.
UK's top 10 most stressful junctions
Hanger Lane Gyratory - London (Stress Score: 44/100)
Magic Roundabout - Swindon (Stress Score: 42/100)
Cromer Road & Boundary Road Junction - Norwich (Stress Score: 40/100)
The Crooked Billet Interchange - Waltham Forest (Stress Score: 38/100)
Ynysforgan Roundabout - Swansea (Stress Score: 38/100)
Black Cat Roundabout - Bedfordshire (Stress Score: 38/100)
Larne Road Roundabout - Ballymena (Stress Score: 36/100)
Shalesmoor & Netherthorpe Road Roundabout - Sheffield (Stress Score: 36/100)
Springwell Road & Queen Alexandra Road Junction - Sunderland (Stress Score: 35/100)
Sheriffhall Roundabout - Edinburgh (Stress Score: 35/100)
TRAVELLING PAINS
Scrap Car Comparison not only ranked the most stressful junctions in the UK but also created a global leaderboard, ranking some of the world's most anxiety-inducing intersections.
For globe-trotting drivers, it might be best to avoid the Meskel Square Roundabout in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which picked up a Stress Score of 56 out of100.
Meskel Square lacks basic road markings and formal traffic control, relying instead on driver intuition… and honking.
Despite appearances, it's functional for locals but is known for being deeply unnerving for outsiders.
The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles, a towering 8-level highway structure, came in close behind in second place with a score of 51/100.
This score was matched by Paris' Arc de Triomphe roundabout, known for its 12 converging avenues and reversed right-of-way rules.
Indeed, Europe features heavily in the rankings - with five of the top ten most stressful junctions located across the continent - with Paris, Rome, Madrid and London all making the list.
Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, said: 'Driving through unfamiliar junctions can rattle even the most experienced motorists.
'Junctions often combine high traffic volumes, poor signage and confusing layouts, making preparation essential.
'Our advice? Start by planning ahead, tools such as Street View or route planners can help you visualise the road before you set off.
'Once you're behind the wheel, try to get into the correct lane early by watching for signs and markings.
'If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a breath and don't let other road users rush you - it's perfectly okay to go at your own pace.
'Always signal clearly and confidently to show your intentions, especially if you need to change lanes.
'And if you're really nervous, consider driving at quieter times of day when the roads are less busy.
'A little preparation can go a long way in turning a potentially stressful drive into a safe and confident journey.'
