Drivers urged to check vehicles as roadworks lifted for Bank Holiday
Published
25 Aug 2022
We’re lifting more than 900 miles of roadworks for the August Bank Holiday - that’s around 98 per cent of England’s major A-roads and motorways free from roadworks.
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To help ensure the weekend getaway runs as smoothly as possible, we’re urging drivers to check their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out.
New research reveals motorists are more likely to check their luggage rather than tyre pressures and oil levels before setting off.
The results showed that only 6 in every 100 people would check tyre pressures and only 3 in every 100 check oil levels.
That’s compared to 23 in every 100 people checking they had packed essential items and passports.
More than 2,000 people took part in the survey to find out what they considered to be a priority before setting off this Bank Holiday.
Our Head of Road Safety Jeremy Phillips said:
“We know that breaking down can be a very upsetting experience. Nobody wants to start off their holiday stranded at the side of the road, next to fast-moving traffic.
“That’s why we are reminding drivers to check their vehicles before setting off over the Bank Holiday weekend, particularly the tyres.
“Unsafe tyres put you and others at risk as well increasing your chances of attracting a hefty fine and penalty points.
“A simple check on tyre tread and pressure could prevent a breakdown and help make sure you get to your destination safe and well.”
More than 41,500 people broke down on National Highways roads last year because of tyre issues – that’s over 20% of all breakdowns. Yet many of those breakdowns could have been avoided if drivers had carried out basic vehicle checks before setting off.
The roadworks will be removed from England’s major A-road and motorway network by 6am on Friday 26 August and not put back in place until Monday 30 August.
You can check which roadworks remain in place with our roadworks finder tool.
For people travelling to the Kent ports, drivers are also being reminded that Operation Brock is active on the M20. Operation Brock is a traffic management arrangement for traffic wishing to use Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover. You can check on the status of Operation Brock here.
