Croydon has been identified as the most stressful location in the United Kingdom for driving, according to a new study that evaluated driving conditions across 58 cities, boroughs, and local authorities. The south London borough received a drivability score of just 22 out of 100, placing it at the bottom of the ranking.
Research conducted by MoneySuperMarket examined multiple factors, including road incidents, traffic levels, and concerns about vehicle crime, to determine where motorists encounter the most challenging driving environments. The study found that Croydon has 248 one-way roads, and more than 3,700 road incidents were recorded in the area during 2024.
Rising driving offences and penalty points
The research also highlighted a troubling trend in driving behaviour within Croydon. The average number of driving offences increased by 25 per cent between 2023 and 2025, while penalty points rose by 18.5 per cent over the same period. These figures contributed to Croydon's lowest score in the entire study.
Croydon's score of 22 was two points below second-placed Derby, which scored 24. Manchester and Leeds followed with scores of 25, while Preston completed the top five most challenging locations with a score of 28. Birmingham, Blackpool, Bradford, Wakefield, and Oldham also appeared in the top 10 of the most stressful driving areas.
Bath offers a calmer driving experience
In contrast, drivers seeking a more relaxed experience may find it in the west of England. Bath was named the easiest place to drive, achieving a score of 68 out of 100, compared with Croydon's 22. The study recorded just 357 road incidents in Bath during 2024, and vehicle traffic in the city fell by 0.9 per cent over the previous decade.
The report was accompanied by a survey of 2,000 UK motorists, which revealed that many drivers already avoid certain journeys due to anticipated stress. More than eight in ten respondents, or 81 per cent, said they had chosen not to drive somewhere because they expected the journey to be too stressful or difficult.
Motorists cite aggressive drivers and bad weather as key stressors
The survey identified other motorists as the primary source of frustration for drivers. Almost two-thirds of respondents, 65 per cent, said dealing with impatient or aggressive drivers, including tailgating and beeping, was stressful. Bad weather followed closely behind at 64.8 per cent, while 59.6 per cent said driving in an unfamiliar town, city, or area caused them stress.
Heavy traffic and congestion were cited by 59.1 per cent of motorists, and 56.9 per cent struggled with parking in busy areas. Carmine Mastrogiacomo, driving expert at Drive Therapy, offered advice for anxious drivers: "Confidence comes from experience. Start with routes you already know and repeat them regularly to build comfort. Gradually introduce new routes and challenges, setting realistic goals that stretch your ability without feeling overwhelming." He added that drivers who become anxious behind the wheel can slow their breathing to help their body relax.
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, commented on the findings: "Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but our research shows just how much stress and uncertainty it can bring, particularly in areas where there are more incidents recorded, car-related thefts are more common, or where there is heavier traffic or less familiar roads. We hope this report and tool give drivers a clearer picture of what to expect before they set off, whether that's a daily commute or a journey somewhere new."
