TRAFFIC: More than 98 per cent of roadworks to be lifted nationally ahead of bank holiday weekend

A total of 445 carriageway mikes of roadworks on motorways and strategic A roads across the country will be lifted in order to make sure the journey is easier.

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, August 25 and will not be put back before 12.01am on Tuesday, August 29.

For more information on the roadworks affected, click here.

Last year more than 20 motorists broke down each day during July and August because they had run out of fuel.

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.”

With tens of thousands of motorists set to be on the roads over the weekend, Highways England have urged motorists to check their fuel, tyres, oil, lights and water before they set off to decrease the chance of a breakdown.

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.

“It’s excellent news that most roadworks will be lifted over the bank holiday,” said Neil Greig, policy and research director of IAM RoadSmart, who have partnered with Highways England to help cut the number of breakdowns.

“The onus is now on drivers to minimise the number of preventable incidents by driving safely and preparing themselves and their vehicles properly.”

Highways England has also launched a series of specialist videos to help carry out basic vehicle checks before they set off on their travels which can be viewed by visiting think.direct.gov.uk/carchecks.