Experiences of driving on motorways

National Highways have commissioned research with drivers in the Sheffield and Rotherham areas to understand their experiences of driving in this area

About the study

National Highways have commissioned research with drivers in the Sheffield and Rotherham areas to better understand their experiences of driving on roads in this area, including on sections of M1 motorway.

National Highways look after England’s motorways and major roads on behalf of the Department for transport. Find out more here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/

What will it involve?

The research will involve taking part in a 1.5-hour focus group with 6-8 other people. Most groups will be online, and you will need a computer, tablet, or smart phone to take part online. You can also opt for a face-to-face group if you cannot take part in this way.

During the discussion you will be asked to share your views on the following topics:

  • Your experience of driving on motorways and sections of the M1.
  • How safe or confident you feel driving on the sections of M1, by yourself and with others.
  • What you have seen or heard about ‘smart motorways’ and your experiences of them.
  • Suggestions for improvements.

Everything you say will be confidential and anonymous. Only NatCen will know you have taken part.

At the start of the interview, we will ask your permission to audio record the discussion so that we have an accurate record of what was said. We will store your information securely and your details will not be shared with anyone else outside the research team or with the National Highways.

Reports and publications will not identify any individuals.

For more information on how your data will be used, visit the privacy notice

Why take part?

Findings from the research will be used to inform National Highways’ planning for the future. Therefore, it is important for them to hear directly from motorway users. You will also help make sure motorways are safer for yourself and others.

As a thank you for taking part you will receive a £50 Love2Shop e-voucher for an online group, and £75 Love2Shop voucher for a face-to-face group (to cover expenses of attending). The vouchers can be used in many online and high street stores.

Why have I been selected to take part?

National Highways are interested in hearing from drivers who use particular sections of the M1 Motorway near Sheffield and Rotherham.  You have been invited to take part in an interview with NatCen because you previously took part in a survey on this topic and agreed to be recontacted for further research.

Who is carrying out this research?

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and AECOM have been commissioned by National Highways to carry out the research. NatCen is an independent, not-for-profit research agency. AECOM are a research agency who specialise in transport.

Contact us

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the research, please contact us using the details below.

Email: motorways@natcen.ac.uk

Freephone: 0800 652 4568