Thousands of miles of roadworks lifted ahead of Easter getaway
The Government says investment in road repairs will also save drivers money in the long run
The Government's announced 97.5% of major roads across the country will be roadwork free over the Easter weekend in the hope of speeding up journey times.
Over a thousand miles of roadworks are being lifted for the long weekend according to the Department for Transport.
The AA estimates around 19.1 million drivers will make car trips on Good Friday.
National Highways is reminding drivers to properly prepare for Easter travel by relaunching its ‘TRIP’ campaign, encouraging drivers to ‘Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare’. The guidance aims to prevent breakdowns which can lead to delays and unexpected costs.
Significant routes to benefit from roadworks being lifted or completed in time for the Easter getaway include:
• Over 130 miles of roadworks on the M25
• More than 100 miles on the M1 between London and Chesterfield
• More than 70 miles on the A27 between Polegate, East Sussex and Havant, Hampshire
• 49 miles on the A34 between Oxford and Winchester
• Almost 50 miles on the M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth
• Over 45 miles on the M4 between Hayes and Hungerford
• 44 miles on the M2 between Rochester and Faversham
• 37 miles on the A303 near Andover
• 31 miles on the A47 between Great Yarmouth and Peterborough
Andrew Butterfield, National Highways Director of Operational Services, said: “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.”
AA President, Edmund King OBE, said: “Bank holiday weekends tend to remind us of the importance of having a good road network without roadwork delays or plagues of potholes.
"Hence, we very much welcome the lifting of roadworks as record numbers hit the roads this weekend and the Government’s efforts to address the pothole pandemic and reduce disruptive streetworks. Drivers can help by making sure their tyres are properly inflated, oil and coolant levels are correct, and that they plenty of fuel or charge if driving an EV.”
It all comes as the Government claims drivers are set to benefit from up to £500 in savings per year on pothole-related car repairs and fuel duty under their investment in repairing roads.
The RAC says hitting a pothole can cost drivers up to £460 in repairs.
The Department for Transport says that's why their giving councils £1.6 billion from this month to use to fix our roads - they say that's enough to fill 7 million extra potholes, which goes above and beyond their manifesto commitment.
The Government has also frozen fuel duty at current levels for another year which it says will support hardworking families and businesses, saving the average car driver £59.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander tells us: "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.
“This Government is also saving drivers up to £500 a year, with councils soon to receive their record £1.6 billion pothole funding and the continued freeze on fuel duty.”
Improving national infrastructure
The Department for Transport says improving and rebuilding Britain's key infrastructure is critical to achieving growth.
They say that's why in recent months they've approved projects like the Lower Thames Crossing to improve connectivity between the South and Midlands and linking up ports.
The £580 million set aside for infrastructure improvements also includes £200m for the A47 Thickthorn Junction in Norfolk and £290m for M3 junction 9, plus £90m for local road schemes.
On top of this, the Government recently announced a further £4.8bn for National Highways to protect the country’s strategic road network, which provides critical routes and connections across the country.
They say the funding will ensure this vital network is kept in good repair and remains fit for the future whilst delivering essential improvement schemes to unlock growth and housing development.
Disruptive streetworks by utility companies are also being tackled under the Government’s clampdown, with doubled fines and charges of up to £10k per day for utility works that overrun at weekends and bank holidays.
They say this will help make sure works finish on time, and roads can be fully reopened to traffic.