Most roadworks lifted to help people from across Greater Manchester get to Christmas destination
To help keep disruption to a minimum, National Highways have removed the majority of roadworks until 12.01am on Tuesday 2nd of January
National Highways is working round the clock to give motorists an early Christmas present by removing more than 1,000 miles of roadworks ahead of the festive getaway.
This means more than 98 per cent of motorways and major A-roads will be roadworks-free in time for those travelling to see loved ones or making other journeys for Christmas.
To help keep festive disruption to a minimum, the vast majority of roadworks have been removed until 12.01am on Tuesday 2 January.
National Highways Customer Service Director Andrew Butterfield said: “December is an incredibly busy period which is why we’re improving journeys for motorists by keeping 98 per cent of the roads we manage free from roadworks over Christmas.
“We know from experience that peak travel times can vary at this time of year, so it’s really important that drivers check traffic conditions before heading out to help keep traffic flowing.”
Minister for Roads Guy Opperman said: “We’re on the side of drivers, which is why National Highways is lifting hundreds of miles of roadworks to make sure everyone’s festive getaway is as smooth as possible, improving journey times and helping people get from A to B easier.”
Andrew Butterfield added: “It’s also good practice to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the journey ahead. Ensure you have plenty of fuel, the tyres are in good condition, and you have suitable clothing and snacks in the car in case you run into difficulties.”
Before setting off, motorists are encouraged to:
- Top-up: Fuel, oil and screenwash highlights some of the basic vehicle checks you can carry out at home. It’s really important to check your fuel level, water level and oil level before embarking on a long trip.
- Rest: take regular comfort breaks encourages people to be well rested ahead of their journey and not under the influence of alcohol, and to plan the journey, identifying places to stop for a break during your journey.
- Inspect: check tyre pressure and tread focusses on some simple things you can do at home to care for your tyres.
- Prepare: have a plan for all weathers encourages drivers and their passengers to take seasonal kits with them on their journey so they have provisions in the event of hold ups and traffic jams and check the weather forecast.
National Highways is also reminding people what to do if they have problems with their vehicle during their journey – and the key message is Go Left. The advice to anyone encountering vehicle trouble is to stay calm and try to exit at the next junction or motorway service area. If that’s not possible:
- Go left - put your left indicator on and move into an emergency area, onto a hard shoulder, left-hand verge or A-road lay-by. Switch your hazard warning lights on, even during the day. If it’s dark, use side lights and in poor visibility use fog lights as well. n a motorway without a hard shoulder, in most situations a vehicle can be driven to an emergency area. These are spaced regularly and are marked with blue signs featuring an orange SOS telephone symbol, to indicate the distance to the next one.
- Get safe - If it is safe to do so, and you can get out with any passengers, exit your vehicle on the side furthest from traffic. If it is not safe to do so, stay in your vehicle and wait for help. Keep well away from moving traffic and your own vehicle. Get behind a safety barrier where there is one, and where it is safe to do so. If you’re on a verge, be aware of any unseen hazards such as uneven ground or debris.
- Get help – contact National Highways on 0300 123 5000 and then a breakdown recovery provider.
- If unable to exit the vehicle and get to a safe place, have stopped in a live traffic lane or feel life is in danger, stay in the vehicle with seatbelts and hazard lights on and call 999 immediately.
For more information visit their website.