A recent UK survey has named one of South Africa’s intersections among the most stressful in the world – placing Stellenbosch’s Merriman Road & Bosman Road intersection firmly on the global anxiety map.
The study, conducted by Scrap Car Comparison, asked thousands of drivers to rank intersections and roundabouts based on four emotional metrics: confusion, anxiety, fear, and confidence.
‘Stress score’
Responses were analysed to generate a “Stress Score,” revealing which traffic points across the globe leave drivers most unnerved.
At the top of the list was Meskel Square Roundabout in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a stress score of 56, notorious for its chaotic layout, lack of road markings, and sheer traffic volume.
Despite appearances, locals claim it operates effectively – thanks to honed instincts, eye contact, and hooter communication.
Tied in second place were Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles and Arc de Triomphe Roundabout in Paris, both scoring 51.
While many KZN motorists might blame intersections such as the Spaghetti junction as their Achilles
These famous junctions are known for their overwhelming structure and complexity, often leaving unfamiliar drivers disoriented and anxious.
But closer to home, South Africa earned a spot in this high-pressure list.
The Merriman and Bosman intersection in Stellenbosch received a stress score of 33, putting it ahead of many other global traffic points.
While Western Cape drivers may nod in agreement, many KwaZulu-Natal motorists argue that Durban’s “Spaghetti Junction” deserves equal notoriety.
Stay calm
This survey comes at a time when road stress is particularly high in South Africa, with commuters facing not just complex intersections, but fuel price hikes, infrastructure issues, and volatile public transport disruptions.
As city planners and transport officials review this data, the hope is that highlighting stress points could lead to better design, improved signage, and smarter traffic management.
Until then, for South African drivers navigating Merriman and Bosman – or any chaotic junction – the advice remains: stay calm, stay alert, and maybe avoid rush hour.
Full list of the most stressful intersections/interchanges in the world:
- Meskel Square Roundabout, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 56/100
- Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange, Los Angeles, USA, 51/100
- Arc de Triomphe Roundabout, Paris, France, 51/100
- Newark Airport Interchange, Newark, USA, 48/100
- Place de la Bastille Roundabout, Paris, France, 48/100
- Shibuya Crossing Intersection, Tokyo, Japan, 47/100
- Piazza Venezia Roundabout, Rome, Italy, 45/100
- Plaza de Cibeles Roundabout, Madrid, Spain, 45/100
- I-5/I-8 Interchange, San Diego, USA, 45/100
- Hanger Lane Gyratory, London, England, UK44/100
- Magic Roundabout, Swindon, England, UK42/100
- Five Points Intersection, Raleigh, USA, 40/100
- Cromer Road & Boundary Road Junction, Norwich, England, UK40/100
- Central Motorway Junction (Spaghetti Junction), Auckland, New Zealand, 40/100
- Eastlink & Monash Freeway Intersection, Melbourne, Australia, 39/100
- Ynysforgan Roundabout, Swansea, Wales, UK38/100
- The Crooked Billet Interchange, Waltham Forest, England, UK38/100
- Black Cat Roundabout, Bedfordshire, England, UK38/100
- City Center Drive & Carmel Drive Junction, Carmel, USA36/100
- Larne Road Roundabout, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, UK36/100
- Shalesmoor & Netherthorpe Road Roundabout, Sheffield, England, UK36/100
- Springwell Road & Queen Alexandra Road Junction, Sunderland, England, UK35/100
- Victoria / Edgeware Road intersection, Sydney, Australia, 35/100
- Sheriffhall Roundabout, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK35/100
- Merriman Road & Bosman Road Intersection, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 33/100
What’s YOUR most stressful road or intersection in South Africa?
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