Traffic blackspots alert as schools start summer holiday

8:50am Friday 18th July 2008

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MOTORISTS were warned today they are facing one of the busiest weekends of the year on the roads of North and East Yorkshire as the great summer getaway begins.

Many schools across the country break up today, although pupils at some schools in York, North and East Yorkshire will not finish lessons until Tuesday.

The A64 York to Scarborough route and the A19 are among potential traffic blackspots highlighted by the Highways Agency.

Steven Crosthwaite, head of the agency’s national traffic control, said: “Routes around airports and ports as well as those heading towards the coast are expected to be busy, with the M20, M5, M4 and A2 expected to be carrying up to 20 per cent more traffic than on a typical Saturday.”

The agency is recommending that holidaying families plan their journey in advance in order to avoid the worst of the summer queues. Mr Crosthwaite said: “At this time of year a lot of people will be taking journeys they are not familiar with, so our advice is to plan your journey well and make sure you check the conditions before you leave.

“It’s also a good idea to be prepared. Take food and water with you, especially if you have children in the car, and take a map just in case you need to find an alternative route.

“We also advise that you give your vehicle a thorough check before any long journey.

“We have over 1,100 traffic officers out on the road network clearing incidents and helping drivers in trouble. At this time of year they see a lot of unnecessary breakdowns. So check your tyres, lights, oil and, of course, your fuel level. Waiting for recovery on the hard shoulder with your family isn’t the best way to start a holiday.”

The agency has produced a special leaflet for people heading for the south-west giving details of peak traffic times for different routes.