The M6 in Cumbria is England's favourite road to drive on according
to a fun survey by Highways England.
In a fun online poll, most people stated the rugged scenery and
rolling hills of Cumbria and smoother journeys on the M1 near
Lutterworth are why these are their favourite routes.
Other favourite routes for motorists included the M5 in the South
West and the A1 in Northumberland.
The survey results come ahead of the late May bank holiday when
Highways England lifts as many roadworks as possible at this
popular time for travel.
The company’s teams will be working around the clock to remove
more than 700 miles of roadworks - meaning around 97 per cent of
motorways and major A roads will be roadworks-free in time for
Whitsun.
With the roads prepared for the holiday getaway, Highways England
is also calling on motorists travelling this bank holiday to make
sure their vehicle is ready for the journey ahead.
Research shows almost half of all breakdowns are caused by simple
mechanical problems which could be avoided with simple checks and
nearly a quarter are caused by tyre problems.
Highways England’s customer service director Melanie Clarke said:
Many people have a favourite road they love driving on – and we
want everyone to reach their destinations safely.
We’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as
possible for those travelling and that’s why we’re keeping
around 97 per cent of the road network we manage, free from
roadworks.
Safety is our top priority and we know from experience that
almost half of breakdowns can easily be avoided if motorists
carry out simple vehicle checks before setting off over this
period.
The motorway and major A road network will be free of roadworks
from 6am Friday 24 May until 12.01am on Tuesday 28 May.
Before they set off, Highways England is urging motorists to:
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.
Highways England is also reminding people to ensure that they
have the correct licence and insurance to tow whatever the
weight, make sure you have connected correctly, and always ensure
your load is secure and within the limits for your vehicle before
setting off.
A series of specialist videos can be found online to help people carry out
basic vehicle checks before they set off on their
travels.
Highways England is also urging drivers to stay safe by adhering
to motorway signage, including the red X signals on smart
motorways. Highways England close lanes for a reason and drivers
ignoring red X signs put themselves and others at risk.
