Highways England is removing 778 miles of roadworks from the country’s motorways and major A-roads over the Christmas period.

The roadworks will be taken away from 6am on Sunday, December 20 to 12.01am on Monday, January 4.

Where essential roadworks must continue, speed limits will be set at 60mph where possible, the organisation said.

Highways England’s traffic officers are also changing their working hours to meet peaks in traffic volumes during the festive season.

“We want to help you see loved ones this Christmas, so we’ll be doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible and to minimise any disruption,” said Highways England’s customer service director, Melanie Clarke.

Before setting off Highways England is urging drivers to:

  • Check fuel: make sure you have enough fuel to get to your destination.
  • Check tyres: check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.
  • Check engine oil: use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey and top up if needed. Take your car to a garage if you’re topping up more than usual.
  • Check water: make sure you always have good visibility by keeping your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
  • Check lights: check your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights. If they’re not functioning properly, you’re putting yourself at risk. Also, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT.

More than 200 Highways England staff will be working over Christmas to provide 24/7 cover in Highways England’s seven regional operations centres.