The number of reports of motorists driving in the wrong direction on England’s motorways has increased significantly over the past four years, according to new figures released by National Highways.

Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request shows that 947 wrong-way driving incidents were reported during the 12 months to 11 May 2026, equivalent to around 18 reports every week.

The figure represents a substantial rise from the 729 incidents recorded during the same period four years ago, although it is slightly lower than the 974 reports logged during the previous 12-month period.

National Highways says every report is treated as a serious incident and triggers an immediate response. Reports can come from police forces, traffic officers and members of the public, with measures including warning signs, speed reductions and coordination with emergency services used to reduce the risk of collisions.

Road safety experts have raised concerns about the trend, warning that wrong-way driving incidents can have devastating consequences on high-speed roads.

Several fatal collisions have highlighted the dangers. In April 2026, two people died following a crash on the M90 near Kinross after one vehicle was found to have been travelling against the direction of traffic. A separate incident on the M6 near Charnock Richard Services in October 2025 also resulted in a fatality and serious injuries.

Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, said the figures demonstrate the need for continued investment in motorway safety infrastructure. He suggested that improvements to junction layouts, enhanced road design and wider use of detection technology could help prevent drivers from mistakenly entering motorways via exit slip roads.

The AA has also highlighted driver impairment as a common factor in many wrong-way incidents. Factors including alcohol, drugs, fatigue, poor weather and driver confusion can all contribute to motorists travelling against the flow of traffic.

According to the organisation, incidents are more commonly linked to impaired or disorientated drivers than to overseas visitors unfamiliar with driving on the left-hand side of the road.

Both the RAC Foundation and the AA have called for greater use of technology capable of detecting wrong-way vehicles and alerting both drivers and traffic control centres in real time.

National Highways stressed that the figures represent reported incidents rather than confirmed cases. However, the organisation acknowledged that even a single wrong-way vehicle on a motorway can pose a significant risk to road users.