We're speeding Black Friday and Cyber Monday deliveries

Whether it's a treat for ourselves or a Christmas gift for someone else, many of us will be taking the opportunity to net a Black Friday bargain.

All these purchases have to be delivered. This makes Black Friday and the following days (when many online orders are processed) one of the busiest periods in the year for carrying goods by road. It's a vital time for our national economy.

To make these journeys smoother, we're freeing almost 98 per cent of England's major A-roads and motorways from roadworks.

Where possible, We'll lift works between 8pm on Saturday 26 November through to 6am on Thursday 1 December. This also covers Cyber Monday on Monday 28 November, when many retailers make time-limited offers on goods in the run-up to Christmas.

Global logistics firms UPS, DHL and the Association of International Courier and Express Services (AICES) have welcomed the news. With tens of thousands of hauliers expected to use England’s motorway and major A-road network over the coming weeks, AICES believes that lifting roadworks is helping haulage firms deliver a major boost to the economy.

Praising our action, AICES Policy Director Amanda Zambon said:

“We strongly welcome National Highways’ plans to remove roadworks along the strategic route network during our industry’s peak period.

"Reducing congestion helps our members who are working hard to deliver Christmas orders into the UK and supporting British e-commerce businesses to trade internationally. Many essential and time-critical business deliveries continue to take place too, including for the pharmaceutical and medical sector.

“Every second counts for the express sector, which has tight deadlines for delivery and also must work to flight schedules for exports. This collaborative approach taken by National Highways enables our members to deliver efficiently and on time.”

Roads Minister Richard Holden, added:

“The run up to Christmas is the vital time for Britain’s retailers and high streets and these sales are crucial to our economy and can provide a much-needed boost after a tough time.

“That’s why we’re backing retailers and shoppers by supporting operators to lift road works, helping to ease congestion on our roads and make it easier for shoppers to grab the best deals out there.”

Travelling over Christmas

If you're travelling over the festive season, follow our vehicle checks advice before you set off.

Our travelling in winter page will help make your journeys as smooth and safe as possible.

Check our travel alerts, twitter feed and information line (0300 123 5000) for details of travelling conditions and incidents on our network.