MOTORISTS will be able to travel with minimal delay during the Christmas holiday period as most lanes on the motorway and the trunk road network will remain open.

The Highways Agency has announced it will be carrying out minimal work around the country and all works in Yorkshire will be suspended or completed with emergency works only.

Tim Matthews, chief executive of the Highways Agency, said: "Christmas is always a busy time on our motorways with people travelling all over the country during the festive season. The Highways Agency is working to ensure its customers can travel safely and with as little disruption as possible by suspending roadworks until the New Year.

"Only essential work will continue and traffic management procedures and speed restrictions will remain at some locations."