During holiday periods, traffic volumes rise on the
South West’s roads and can lead to an increase in
incidents, particularly along the major M4 and M5
routes.
And ahead of the May Bank Holiday, Highways England and
the emergency services have updated their motorway
closure protocol to ensure the most efficient and
expedient handling of major motorway closures.
Highways England Operations Manager Jeff Foreman said:
Our roads in the South West provide vital links for
businesses, commuters, local communities and holiday
makers and our motorways and we are aware that
motorway incidents can have a really negative impact
on the region as a whole.
As a result we have recently refreshed and revised
our closure protocol to ensure we can manage
incidents more efficiently, mobilise resources and
equipment quicker in the event of any major incidents
and ensure any closures are minimised as much as
possible.
The protocol is one of many examples of how we work
together as ‘one team’ it plays an important part in
managing and clearing the carriageways after major
incidents, and our traffic officers also work closely
with emergency services across the region, including
day-to-day and major incidents, as well as during
severe weather.
As part of this multi-agency approach we are also
running a trial to extend our traffic officer patrols
along the A30 in Cornwall, to assist our emergency
services partners in the south of the region.
Our message is that we are fully prepared and during
the upcoming holiday months, we also advise that
drivers prepare themselves for any longer or
unfamiliar journeys.
Police and Crime Commissioner said:
Motorway driving is an efficient means of direct
travel to your destination, but if you’re stuck in
the aftermath of a collision it can become
frustrating. With more and more vehicles taking to
our roads, I believe education is crucial to ensuring
the roads remain safe for all who use them.
In the event of a motorway collision, it’s not always
understood why the road is closed for a length of
time or who is responsible for re-opening the road.
That’s why I am committed to working closely with
partners to help road users understand the
multi-agency response following a collision, with the
aim of reducing the number of casualties on our
roads.
Superintendent Andy Williams from Avon & Somerset
Police added:
We understand the frustration that drivers will feel
when they’re stuck on a road following a full
carriageway closure and we appreciate drivers’
patience, and understanding.
The newly updated protocol highlights just one of the
ways we are working in partnership with Highways
England and other agencies to get roads reopened as
soon as possible following an incident on the road.
We also want everyone to get to their destinations
safely, so please follow all safety tips and reduce
your chances of getting caught up in an incident this
summer.
Both Highways England and Avon & Somerset Police
advise drivers to be prepared, plan their journeys,
allow extra time and take regular breaks.
To help you prepare, follow these simple steps:
- Check tyres: Prior to setting off on a
long/significant journey, 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 lights: If your indicators, hazard lights,
headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights
are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself
and your family at risk. In addition, light
malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail
its MoT.
- Check fuel: Before setting out, check your fuel
levels and make sure you have enough to get to your
destination.
- Travel as light as possible: do not exceed the
recommended carrying capacity of your vehicle and
ensure that luggage doesn’t restrict visibility.
For more detailed information on how to carry out your
vehicle checks, visit the Think!
website.
To help motorists this Bank Holiday weekend, Highways
England is also removing some 237 miles of roadworks by
6am on Friday 25 May meaning more than 98 per cent of
the motorway and A-road network managed by Highways
England, will be roadworks-free.
Since Easter, Highways England has also resurfaced
around 58 miles of its network in the South West,
providing smoother holiday journeys for all drivers.
Any ongoing roadworks will not be put back in place
until a minute past midnight on Tuesday, 29 May.
