More than 1,000 miles of roadworks lifted to allow ‘smooth’ Easter getaway

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More than 1,000 miles of roadworks are set to be lifted in England to allow for millions of motorists to have a “smooth” journey over the Easter holidays.

Roadworks from 1,127 miles of motorways and major A roads will be removed by National Highways from 6am on Thursday, meaning 97.5% of its network will be free of traffic cones.

The roadworks will only be reintroduced after Easter Monday.

According to the AA, an estimated 19.1 million people in the UK will drive on Good Friday, along with 18.5 million hitting the road on Saturday and 18.2 million on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday respectively.

National Highways director of operational services, Andrew Butterfield, 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.”

Despite that the RAC warned that drivers face a “hat-trick of hold-ups” on Thursday, Good Friday and Saturday as families try to get the most out of the end of the school holidays for many.

‘Plan ahead’

Mr Butterfield urged motorists to “take time to plan ahead” as he said: “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 screen wash, plan your journey, check your tyres and prepare for all weather conditions.”

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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.

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“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.”