National Highways is to remove more than 1,000 miles of roadworks ahead of the festive getaway. 

Some 98% of motorways and major A-roads will be roadworks-free to help keep festive disruption to a minimum

It means more than 98% of motorways and major A-roads will be roadworks-free to help keep festive disruption to a minimum.

The vast majority of roadworks will be removed from 6am on Tuesday 19 December until 12.01am on Tuesday 2 January.

Notable routes to benefit from roadworks being lifted for the festive period include the A3 in Hindhead, the M27 between junctions 2 and 3 (near Southampton), the M4 between junctions 13 and 12 (near Newbury) and the A1 from A47 Wansford to Stibbington (near Peterborough). And roadworks will be lifted on the M1 between junctions 21 to 22 (near Leicester) to help motorists enjoy hassle-free journeys.

National Highways customer service director Andrew Butterfield said: “December is an incredibly busy period which is why we’re improving journeys for motorists by keeping 98% of the roads we manage free from roadworks over Christmas.

“We know from experience that peak travel times can vary at this time of year, so it’s really important that drivers check traffic conditions before heading out to help keep traffic flowing.”

National Highways is also encouraging drivers to follow its T.R.I.P. guidance to help keep them safe and ensure they’re prepared for journeys.

It’s also reminding drivers of the key message to ‘Go Left’ if they have problems with their vehicle during their journey, in particular on smart motorways.

National Highways has advice about traffic conditions on its website, Twitter feeds and information line (0300 123 5000).