A new study from Scrap Car Comparison has revealed the world’s most stressful junctions for drivers. To discover which junctions around the world, cause the most confusion and anxiety among drivers, Scrap Car Comparison surveyed 1,000 UK motorists and asked them to rate road layouts on four metrics: confusion, fear, anxiety, and confidence. The results also reveal the UK's most stressful junctions too.

Among UK road layouts, London’s Hanger Lane Gyratory was rated the most stressful to navigate. One of the most complex and infamous junctions in the nation’s capital, the confusing layout, high accident rate and bottleneck for traffic make it one that many drivers would much rather avoid.

The infamous Magic Roundabout in Swindon followed closely behind in second position, with a stress score of 42 out of 100. A multi-mini roundabout system, the 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.

Study reveals the most stressful roundabouts and junctions for motorists across the UK.

placeholder image — Study reveals the most stressful roundabouts and junctions for motorists across the UK.

Rank	Junction	Location	Stress Score (/100)
1	Hanger Lane Gyratory	London	44
2	Magic Roundabout	Swindon	42
3	Cromer Road & Boundary Road Junction	Norwich	40
4	The Crooked Billet Interchange	Waltham Forest	38
5	Ynysforgan Roundabout	Swansea	38
6	Black Cat Roundabout	Bedfordshire	38
7	Larne Road Roundabout	Ballymena	36
8	Shalesmoor & Netherthorpe Road Roundabout	Sheffield	36
9	Springwell Road & Queen Alexandra Road Junction	Sunderland	35
10	Sheriffhall Roundabout	Edinburgh	35

Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, commented:

“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.”

For the full findings of the study, visit: https://www.scrapcarcomparison.co.uk/blog/most-confusing-roundabouts/