The poll found women and men avoided complex junctions

Hanger Lane Gyratory System in west London topped the list of 10 junctions which drivers find most daunting.

Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham was second followed by Marble Arch and Elephant and Castle, both in London.

The survey also found 17% of women admitted to avoiding routes with complex junctions while the figure for men was 9%.

'Intimidating junction'

The poll, conducted by research firm GfK NOP on behalf of Highway Insurance company, surveyed 500 drivers.

RAC Foundation upheld the results of the survey saying a survey of motorways done by them in 2005 highlighted these routes.

A RAC spokeswoman said: "The Hanger Lane Gyratory is a complex and intimidating junction and it's not surprising to see it has topped this poll.

"In fact, one in every three drivers we surveyed admitted that they felt anxious and stressed about driving on motorways."

Top 10 scariest junctions:

• Hanger Lane Gyratory System, west London
• Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham
• Marble Arch, central London
• Elephant and Castle, south London
• South Mimms, A1/M25, Herts
• M4/M5 interchange, Bristol
• Magic Roundabout, Swindon, Wiltshire
• M8 junctions through central Glasgow
• Mancunian Way junctions, Manchester
• Sheriffhall Roundabout, Edinburgh