On the highway to help - National Highways lifting roadworks over Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend

Many online delivery orders are processed immediately after Black Friday on Friday 25 November – making the following few days one of the busiest periods of the year for carrying goods by road.

To make journeys smoother, National Highways has announced that almost 98 per cent of England's major A-roads and motorways will be free from roadworks during this vital time. Where possible, works will be lifted between 8pm on Saturday 26 November through to 6am on Thursday 1 December. 

The period also covers Cyber Monday on Monday 28 November, when many retailers make time-limited offers on goods in the run-up to Christmas.

The news has been welcomed by global logistics firms UPS, DHL and the Association of International Courier and Express Services (AICES).

UPS Transportation Director, Demian Taylor, said: As we enter our peak delivery period, a free-flowing road network is important for our operations. The lifting of roadworks over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period by National Highways is very much appreciated and will assist us in getting parcels delivered smoothly.”

Director UK Linehaul, DHL Express, Mark O’Doherty, says: “The run-up to Christmas is one of our busiest times of the year and the road network is key for us in delivering for our customers and the public. The lifting of roadworks over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period by National Highways will play a big part in helping to keep our drivers moving so we appreciate this support.”

With tens of thousands of hauliers expected to use England’s motorway and major A-road network over the coming weeks, AICES says the lifting of roadworks by National Highways is helping haulage firms deliver a major boost to the economy.

Policy Director, Association of International Courier & Express Services, Amanda Zambon, added: “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.”

National Highways Customer Services Director, Andrew Butterfield, said: “We know that many people will be looking to bag a bargain over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend and that is why we are doing our bit to help to help motorists and hauliers with smoother journeys. 

“We have been working closely with the haulage and logistics sector over the past few months and our collaborative approach means they can forward plan much more effectively.

“Our roads are always busy, but we know that in the days and weeks leading up to the festive season people will be making additional journeys and our network plays a key role in helping people to meet friends and family and also in getting products to places.”

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.”

National Highways is also encouraging motorists heading out on the roads to think about checking their vehicle before setting off. 

Caption: National Highways is reminding drivers to check tyre tread before setting off.

Things to consider includes: 

Check fuel: Make sure you have enough 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 back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual 

Check water: To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen 

Check your lights: If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT 

National Highways has advice about traffic conditions on its website, twitter feeds, and information line (0300 123 5000).