Roadworks suspended over Christmas period as travel plan announced
The Government has announced a set of measures to help ease traffic disruption over the Christmas period
THE UK Government has unveiled its Christmas measures to help ease traffic disruption over the festive period.
The plans, announced last week, will be in force from the 23rd to the 27th December and are hoped to ease congestion and increase safety while people utilise the Christmas travel window.
Along with rail upgrades and more rail services running, Transport Secretary Grant Schapps has announced that 778 miles of roadworks will be suspended and cleared. The clearing of the works will take place on motorways and A-roads.
Where essential roadworks must continue speed limits will be set at 60mph where possible, including on key routes such as the M6 and M1, to keep disruption to a minimum.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“With many people carefully considering whether to travel to see loved ones this Christmas, we’re taking steps to try to ease journeys.
“Clearing 778 miles of road works and postponing rail upgrade works will ease congestion, minimise disruption, and allow extra services to run.
“That action is backed by scrapping the admin fees for changing advance rail tickets, ensuring a strong staff presence to help people on their way. And I’ve asked former Olympics transport boss and Chair of Network Rail Sir Peter Hendy to carry out a rigorous assessment alongside transport operators to ensure everything possible is being done to help.
“We’re working with transport operators to help people see their loved ones, safely. We ask everyone to closely consider their journey, plan and book ahead, be patient, and be considerate of fellow passengers – and particularly staff who have worked so hard all year - by following the guidance carefully, including keeping space and wearing a face covering on public transport.”
What is the Christmas travel window?
The measures announced are in preparation for what could be a very busy Christmas period as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. The move will allow families to form a Christmas bubble, allowing family members to meet up in outdoor places, private homes, and places of worship.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
