Roadwork closures aid holidaying motorists

Twenty-six roadwork sites across the country have been suspended on motorways and trunk roads this festive season to ease congestion on the UK's road network.

Works will be removed from the morning Friday December 22nd until late at night on January 2nd, the Highway Agency announced today.

In addition to the closures, 22 sites will have completed their improvements before the holiday period begins meaning that motorists will stand less chance of being caught up in time-consuming delays this Christmas.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, minister for road safety, said: "At Christmas and the New Year we take all possible steps to allow drivers to use the roads safely and without hold ups.

"Highways Agency traffic officers are patrolling motorways to deal with accidents and incidents and to get traffic moving again safely and quickly.

"We are also using new technology to give drivers up-to-the-minute advice through message signs and radio traffic bulletins."

One of the biggest road improvements to be complete ahead of schedule is the M1 junction 21/M69 scheme.