Drivers are being driven round the bend by Birmingham, according to a new survey which reveals the most dreaded destinations in the UK.

Aside from London, the poll of 3,000 motorists by Thrifty Car & Van Rental reveals that more than a fifth (21%) loathe driving around the UK’s second city and would go to extreme lengths in order to avoid it.

Nearly half (41%) blamed busy junctions for putting the fear into them, while more than a quarter (27%) admitted rude motorists had driven them to distraction.

Manchester follows Birmingham in the list of hated hotspots, with 12% voting it the city they most hate driving to. Also making the list were Bristol (8%), Leeds (8%), Liverpool (6%), Glasgow (6%), Edinburgh (5%), Nottingham (5%) and Sheffield (4%).

Confusing road systems (40%); endless traffic jams (30%); too many one way systems (22%); dangerous roundabouts (19%); excessive road works (11%); and too many speed cameras (10%) are all reasons why drivers loathe these cities.

Some motorists would even go to extreme lengths in order to avoid driving to their dreaded destination, including saying they’re ill (12%), they can’t afford the petrol (8%), the car has broken down (11%) and they are too hungover to drive (5%).

Linda Malliff, director of central services at Thrifty Car and Van Rental, said: “It’s only natural that there are certain places we as motorists would rather avoid and it’s clear from our survey that London, Birmingham and Manchester are the three cities causing the most distress.

“Safe motoring is of paramount importance at all times so if motorists do have to drive around a city they’re apprehensive about, they should do so calmly with the utmost care and attention.

“Studying the city centre road layout in advance can also prove beneficial and once the initial fear has been conquered, mastering the art of big city driving becomes easier every time.”

The top ten most dreaded destinations for drivers are:

1. London
2. Birmingham
3. Manchester
4. Bristol
5. Leeds
6. Liverpool
7. Glasgow
8. Edinburgh
9. Nottingham
10. Sheffield
 

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