HUNDREDS miles of roadworks are being cleared for families driving home for Christmas.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced nearly 800 miles of repairs to the network are being put back to clear the roads – while 95 per cent of the railways will be clear of engineering works.
Some are being sped up so they are finished before the festive rush but works on the East Coast Mainline will still continue as they are too complicated to postpone.
Trains that are operating will be extended to accommodate extra passengers, but those travelling will have to book in advance.
They have also tripled the amount of coaches on the roads to ferry people across the land.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “With many people carefully considering whether to travel to see loved ones this Christmas, we’re taking steps to try to ease journeys.
“Clearing 778 miles of road works and postponing rail upgrade works will ease congestion, minimise disruption and allow extra services to run.
“We’re working with transport operators to help people see their loved ones, safely.
“We ask everyone to closely consider their journey, plan and book ahead, be patient, and be considerate of fellow passengers – and particularly staff who have worked so hard all year – by following the guidance carefully, including keeping space and wearing a face covering on public transport.”
It comes as The Welsh have been banned from travelling to very high risk areas in the UK by barmy First Minister Mark Drakeford.
He has made it illegal to come and go into Wales from Tier 3 areas in England, Level 3/4 areas in Scotland and ALL of Northern Ireland.
Everyone in Wales is “strongly advised” against leaving the Principality to areas with lower virus rates.
The rules will be relaxed for the Christmas bubble break, but are expected to last well into the New Year.
Mr Drakeford said: ““There will be no restrictions on travel within Wales but we need to have some restrictions on travel across the border to those parts of the UK where infection rates are high to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“We are also advising people in Wales not to travel into those parts of England and Scotland where the infection rate is lower, to help prevent them taking coronavirus with them.
“Coronavirus doesn’t respect borders – we all have a part to play in keeping Wales and the UK safe. Please think carefully about where you are going and what you are doing. This virus thrives wherever we come together with others.
“Taken together with our other measures, these travel restrictions will help to keep us all safe.”
