More than 1,100 miles of roadworks will be lifted across England’s motorways and major A roads in a bid to ease traffic ahead of the busy Easter weekend, the Department for Transport has confirmed.
National Highways will suspend 1,127 miles of roadworks by 6am on Thursday morning, ensuring that 97.5% of the strategic road network will be free from traffic cones throughout the Easter period. The move is intended to help millions of motorists making journeys to visit family and friends or embark on short breaks.
The roadworks will remain lifted until after Easter Monday, giving drivers a smoother and less disrupted route during one of the busiest times on the roads.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Cutting journey times and saving drivers money every year is all part of our Plan for Change to raise living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.
“We are tackling the real problems that drivers face by lifting 1,127 miles of roadworks over Easter and cracking down on disruptive streetworks to make journeys to see loved ones as smooth as possible.”
As well as the removal of roadworks, Ms Alexander highlighted the government’s ongoing measures to ease costs for motorists, including a continued freeze on fuel duty and a record £1.6 billion pothole repair fund allocated to local councils.
The AA has forecast that 19.1 million people in the UK will take to the roads on Good Friday, followed by 18.5 million on Saturday and 18.2 million on both Easter Sunday and Monday. This surge in traffic means congestion is expected on many key routes, especially around town and city centres, retail parks, and major roads.
The most heavily affected areas are anticipated to be:
- The M6 at Birmingham and around Blackpool
- The south and western stretches of the M25 between the M23 and M40
- The M5 at Bristol
- The A303 corridor through Wiltshire
The RAC has warned of a potential “hat-trick of hold-ups” on Thursday, Good Friday, and Saturday, as many families set off on their Easter holidays just as the school break draws to a close.
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National Highways’ director of operational services, Andrew Butterfield, urged drivers to make necessary preparations before heading out:
“We expect the roads to be busy with people looking to make the most of a long Easter weekend. That’s why we are making journeys easier by removing a huge number of roadworks.
“Drivers should also take time to plan ahead. Two of the top three causes of breakdowns are tyre issues and empty fuel tanks. You can help prevent any breakdowns by following our advice: top up your fuel, oil and screenwash, plan your journey, check your tyres and prepare for all weather conditions.”
In January, the Department for Transport also announced tougher penalties for utility companies that cause delays by allowing streetworks to overrun. Fines for these offences are set to be doubled, while councils will be required to spend at least half of the revenue from lane rental charges on road repairs and maintenance.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and consult live traffic information services before setting off.
