Highways England is lifting more than 98 per cent of roadworks to help people travelling over the August bank holiday – and motorists are being urged to make sure their vehicles are ready for the journey.
Last year more than 20 motorists broke down each day during July and August because they had run out of fuel. Almost half of all breakdowns are caused by simple mechanical problems which could be avoided with simple checks and nearly a quarter are caused by tyre problems.
Highways England will be removing some 445 carriageway miles of roadworks from motorways and strategic A roads over the bank holiday and today joined forces with leading safety group IAM RoadSmart (IAM) to remind motorists to do their bit before setting off to cut the number of breakdowns.
Highways England operations director, Nick Harris, said:
We’re lifting more than 98 per cent of roadworks this bank holiday to help people get where they need to as safely and quickly as possible. If you’re driving out to enjoy the late summer bank holiday, make sure you take a few vital minutes to check your vehicle, especially if you haven’t done so for a while.
IAM RoadSmart Policy & Research Director, Neil Greig, added:
It’s excellent news that most roadworks will be lifted over the bank holiday. The onus is now on drivers to minimise the number of preventable incidents by driving safely and preparing themselves and their vehicles properly.
With tens of thousands of motorists set to travel across England, Highways England traffic officers will be working around the clock to deal with incidents on motorways and A-roads.
And before they set off, Highways England is urging motorists to:
- check fuel: Make sure you have enough to get to your destination.
- check tyres: Prior to setting off on a long/significant journey, check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare – look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit
- check engine oil: Use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey, and top up if needed – take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual
- check water: To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen
- check your lights: If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk – in addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT
Highways England has also launched a series of specialist videos to help carry out basic vehicle checks before they set off on their travels. The videos can be viewed on the Think! website
View a map showing the locations of lifted and completed schemes.
By suspending or completing roadworks, more lanes will be open and many speed restrictions will be lifted. The roadworks will be removed by 6am on Friday 25 August 2017 and will not be put back before 00:01 on Tuesday 29 August 2017.
Those wishing to find out more about driving on smart motorways can view our webpage. for further information.
Drivers planning to use the Dartford Crossing are reminded to pay Dart Charge in advance or by midnight the day after crossing.
More information can be found on our website or by calling our information line (0300 123 5000) they can keep up to date with conditions on the roads.
For more detailed information on how to carry out your vehicle checks, search Think!
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.
Follow this news feed: HM Government