SOME Greater Manchester motorways did not operate at full capacity on any day last year, according to figures obtained by a Freedom of Information Act request.

Motorways, including the M60 and M6, had lane closures all 365 days of the year in 2013, while the M62 had lane closures on 358 days.

The figures were obtained from the Highways Agency by motor insurer swiftcover.com.

Other motorways where closures were confined to only a small number of days included the M61 near Manchester (90 days), and the M53 in Cheshire (119 days).

A spokesman for Swiftcover said: "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."

Swiftcover.com product manager Roman Bryl said: "Some of our busiest road networks are never fully operational, and lane closures and diversions are a source of real frustration to drivers.

"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."

These were the number of days in 2013 on which there were lane closures on the worst-affected motorways:

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "The agency is delivering the biggest-ever programme of investment in our roads - £24 billion up to 2021.

"This will ensure we have a strategic road network that is fit for the future and can accommodate the millions of drivers who use our motorways every year.

"Work is planned very carefully to minimise disruption as far as possible, and to ensure the safety of road users and road workers.

"While we recognise people's journeys may be delayed as we carry out these vital improvements, ultimately this level of investment is good news for drivers, who will experience smoother and more reliable journeys in the longer term."