Opinion: A breath of French Aire?

A breath of French aire? 

French motorways are SO much better than UK motorways!

During our epic family road trip through France, we clocked countless hours on the French autoroutes. But the moment we re-entered the UK, we hit a massive traffic jam—worse than driving all the way through France!

It got us thinking: are we missing a trick with British motorways?

French Autoroutes: Smooth, Speedy, and Stress-Free

The autoroutes we used in France were mostly toll roads. You grab a ticket at the entry barrier, pay when you exit (or switch sections), and voilà—you’re on roads that feel like a giant, perfectly ironed carpet. Smooth, quiet, and virtually jam-free.

Why? Because they’re expensive. Locals tend to stick to regular roads for daily travel, leaving the autoroutes largely to long-distance drivers and tourists. The result? No traffic, faster journeys (thanks to 80mph limits), and an almost peaceful driving experience.

British Motorways: Free but Frustrating

Here in the UK, the road reality is quite different. It’s a smaller, more densely populated island than France, which means more traffic and more tension.

Most motorways are free, making them accessible—but also heavily used. More vehicles mean more congestion, slower journeys (with 70mph limits, sometimes lower on “smart” motorways), and plenty of groans from the back seat: “Are we there yet?”

Rest Stops: Aires vs Service Stations

French “Aires” are a standout feature. Spaced every 15–20 km (by law), they range from full service stations to peaceful green areas with loos and lush green picnic spots. Some service station serve up regional cuisine like fresh pastries and sit down meals (we called in at “Aire du Poulet de Bresse - a “gastro aire” celebrating Bresse chicken, served roasted with frites!). 

British service stations are a world apart—fewer, busier, noisier, and often pricier. Fast food dominates, and the atmosphere can feel more frantic than restful. It’s more pit stop than proper break.

And then there’s the classic UK motorway moment: stuck in traffic, someone needs the loo... but the nearest services? Who knows. It could be miles away!

Time for a French-inspired rethink?

We think UK motorways could be improved by:

• Prioritising traveller well-being

• Building smaller, but more frequent, family-friendly “Aires”

• Exploring toll funded maintenance (where there are easy alternative roads for locals) to improve journey times and ease congestion

There’s real value in roads that make journeys more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s better for everyone!

So, over to YOU. What do YOU think? If you were a UK motorway designer what would YOU do?

Share your opinions with roadster.magazine@gmail.com