From the 2nd to the 5th of June, the nation will be celebrating Queen Elizabeth becoming the first monarch to achieve 70 years of service. Over the long weekend, thousands of motorists will journey to visit friends and family; commuting to street parties, village fêtes and patriotic get-togethers. 

In anticipation of busier traffic, National Highways will lift almost 1,000 miles of roadworks for UK motorists this weekend; works will be removed from major A-roads and motorway networks by 6 am on Wednesday 1 June, remaining on hold until Monday 6 June.  

This will clear 98% of England’s major roads and motorways from roadwork delays and, with any luck, allow for smoother and faster journeys for jubilee commuters. 

To make the most of the bank holiday, National Highways urges motorists to play their part in keeping traffic flowing by ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. Research shows that only one-in-six drivers check their tyres before setting off on a long journey, a common cause of motorway breakdowns.

Dave Harford, Traffic Officer for National Highways, said: “We expect the roads to be busy with people looking to make the most of a long weekend. Our traffic officer patrols will be out on the network to help anyone who might get into difficulty, but it’s important people remember to check their vehicle before setting off. 

“The last thing anybody wants on the way to their destination is to have a vehicle breakdown. That’s why it’s really important people spend a few minutes checking the condition of their tyres before setting off.”    

The advice from National Highways is simple; check your tyre pressure, tread depth and tyre age including the spare, before you set off on a long journey.   

Additional checks to consider include:

• Tyres: ensure tyre pressures are suitable for the load and check the condition of tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear across the whole tyre.
• Engine oil: check oil levels regularly and top up if needed. 
• Water: always keep your screen wash topped up with a good ratio of water and screenwash to maximise the cleaning efficiency so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen easily.   
• Lights: check your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are functioning properly.
• Fuel: before setting out make sure you have enough fuel to get to your destination. Running out of fuel can put you, your family and other road users at risk unnecessarily.  

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