Figures obtained under a Freedom of Information request by insurer swiftcover.com show that many of the UK’s busiest motorways didn’t operate at full capacity for a single day last year, including the M1, M4, M5, M6 and M25 as well as on the M60 in north west England and on the M54 in Shropshire and Staffordshire.

In fact more than a third of the UK’s M-roads had lane closures for at least six months. A quarter of M-roads were only fully open for 25 days or less.

Major motorways had lanes closed for maintenance all year round, including London’s M25, the M1 “gateway to the North” and the M6 – the “Backbone of Britain” and the UK’s longest motorway.

The figures also warn of more traffic misery to come, with the company saying: ‘Motorists can expect an increase in motorway road works during 2014 as a result of the Government's £317 million “pinch point” programme.

‘This ambitious programme includes 123 extensive road works projects across the UK. However, less than a quarter of these have so far been completed.’

Roman Bryl, product manager at Swiftcover.com, added: ‘Obviously it is important that motorways are kept in a good state of repair, but maintenance works can be very disruptive and stressful. Drivers should bear in mind that motorways may not actually be the quickest route for their journey, and plan ahead in order to avoid potential delays.’

MOTORWAYS WITH LANES CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE: