There is no Junction 3 on the M1 motorway because it was originally planned for a link road that was ultimately abandoned, and the numbering system for motorways in the UK does not assign numbers to junctions that lead exclusively to service areas.
The Unused Number: A Historical Perspective
When the M1 motorway was initially designed and constructed, plans included a junction designated as Junction 3. This junction was intended to serve as a connection point for a proposed link road. However, the idea for this specific link road was never fully realised and was eventually abandoned.
Motorway Numbering Conventions
The standard practice for numbering junctions on UK motorways ensures that each numbered junction provides access to or from the local road network.
Key points about motorway junction numbering include:
- Access to Public Roads: Junction numbers are typically assigned to points where traffic can join or leave the motorway to connect with other public roads.
- Service Area Exclusion: Junctions that exclusively provide access to or from motorway service areas are not given their own numbered designation. Instead, they are considered part of the motorway's facilities, often located between existing numbered junctions.
- Sequential Numbering: Motorway junctions are generally numbered sequentially from the start of the motorway (usually closer to London for routes radiating outwards).
Given that the planned link road for Junction 3 was never built, and the intended access would have likely been related to a service area or a non-public access point, the number 3 was never officially used on signs or maps for a functional exit. Consequently, the sequence jumps directly from Junction 2 to Junction 4 on the M1.
This numbering anomaly is a unique aspect of the M1's history, reflecting early design changes and the evolving standards for motorway infrastructure.
For more information on UK motorway numbering and history, you can explore resources such as the Wikipedia page on UK Motorway Junctions.
