Friday evening and Saturday lunchtime are expected to be the busiest periods over the bank holiday weekend as people set out on short breaks or day trips across the country.
More than half of roadworks on roads managed by the Highways Agency will be lifted before the weekend getaway. This means that 228 miles of roadworks will be lifted or completed before the bank holiday. Live information about current traffic conditions on the motorways and major A roads is offered through a range of channels as part of the Highways Agencys commitment to ease congestion and to help drivers make their journeys safely and reliably.
The Agency provides live traffic information via its own website, local and national radio travel bulletins and mobile platforms, such as the iPhone. The Highways Agencys application, which was launched in February, has now been downloaded by more than 230,000 people.
Mike Penning, Roads Minister, said:
To help road users with their journeys, the Highways Agency will remove as many sets of roadworks as it is safe and practical to do so, and will continue to provide up to the minute journey planning advice though their website, electronic road signs and the media.
Removing roadworks is just one way that the Highways Agency helps road users during bank holidays. The Traffic Officer Service will be on patrol and working in regional control centres to help traffic flow smoothly. The Agencys website can help drivers plan their journeys, and by listening to DAB digital Traffic Radio, local radio stations, or by calling the Agencys information line (08457 50 40 30) they can keep up to date with road conditions.
A total of 23 sets of roadworks are due to be completed and a further 31 are due to be suspended before 06:00 on Friday 28 May to help drivers make smoother journeys over the bank holiday. Roadworks at 32 locations will remain in place for the safety of drivers and their passengers.
Roadworks and lane restrictions will be removed by 06:00 on Friday 28 May and will not be put back before 00:01 on Tuesday 1 June.
The list of remaining, suspended and completed roadworks is included after notes to editors.
ENDS