london to coventry / birmingham - m1 vs m40

dada44

driving tomorrow along this route, wondering if anyone had any thoughts over m1 vs m40. thinking road quality (smoother the road, the nicer) and traffic. driving around 2 or 3pm

road quality is the most important for me at the moment - can make the drive a lot smoother

thanks

dacouch

There's about a contraflow between junctions 10 and 11 (About 10+ miles) on the M1 with speeds a speed limit of 50mph and average speed cameras.

It really depends on which part of London your leaving from.

I would leave at nearer 2pm than 3pm if you can

dada44

thanks.

north london. getting to the m1 or m40 isn't really a problem. m40 journey is a little longer, but ppl seem to prefer it for some reason

gilbert_and_sullivan

M40 is a far better route road wise IMO and doesn't carry anywhere near the volume of lorries (road surface not so worn/broken) and runs faster generally, seems to suffer less congestion, but before finally deciding listen for radio traffic reports.

TonyMMM

I use both routes regularly - and can't say there is much difference in road surface quality..... in fact large sections of the lower M1 have been resurfaced as part of the widening works so should in theory be better.

It really depends where you are , and where your destination is.

The 50mph section on the M1 will not delay you anywhere near as much as the extra time to get around to the M40 will add to your journey.

Because both routes are susceptible to delays though - leave the decision until the last minute, and check traffic reports just before you leave.

rxbren

is this a serious post
road surface quality !!!!!!

spiro

If usinmg the M1 and depending on where in Brum you want to get to you can turn off onto the M45/A45 (junction just after Watford Gap) which brings you in by the NEC. I use this route as whilst the M45 is short there is rarely any traffic.

CrazyRed

How about using the M11/A14/M6?

That's the route I always used to use to go up to Coventry or Birmingham and it was a nice, relaxing route with relatively smooth roads (one odd 'blip' on the A14, but otherwise OK).

worried_jim

I love the M40, everyone drives on the left and there are plenty sections where you can sit at a ton with out grandma in a micra sitting in the middle lane.

dacouch

worried_jim wrote: »

I love the M40, everyone drives on the left and there are plenty sections where you can sit at a ton with out grandma in a micra sitting in the middle lane.

Last two times I've been on the M40, there have been police with speed guns on the bridges near John Lewis.

I agree the M40 is a good motorway.

I also like the M11, I'm off to Newcastle tomorrow and it's the route out of London I'll take as much quick from my area