Busy roads this long weekend

Roads will be extra busy this weekend in Merseyside due to the Bank Holiday. Radio City has been speaking to Phil Stawford from Highways England who has plenty of advice and information for people who will be hitting the roads.

Published 26th Aug 2016

If you're thinking of hitting the roads for Bank Holiday weekend then here's some advice from Highways England.

He says: "We're expecting around a 25% increase in traffic volumes throughout the weekend"

"Plan your journeys in advance because journeys will take longer with the extra traffic and any breaks you may need to take so factor that in."

Phil added that safety on the roads was crucial. His advice to commuters included: "Checking oil and fuel levels as well as tyre pressure will reduce the chance of a breakdown. The most common cause of a breakdown is running out of fuel."

"Understand all the signs and signals on the motorways, including the 'red x' which means the lane is blocked and you need to get out of that lane."

He also added: "Make sure your mobile phone is charged incase you breakdown and need to call somebody. Finally focus on the road and stay calm. Remember it is the responsibility of those behind the wheel to maintain their concentration and avoid all distractions."

Highways England has been working with contractors for this weekend, as a result the roadworks on the M56 at the Weaver Viaduct have been lifted specifically for this weekend. The port of Liverpool will also be busy with passengers and container ferries are running as normal so container traffic in and out of the port will be constant.