Ministers attempt to ease Christmas getaway
By Peter Wozniak
The government will ease restrictions and roadworks in a bid to allow more people to get home for Christmas, as frozen conditions continue to linger.
But many of the measures will not come in time for thousands of people travelling on the roads on what is expected to be one of the busiest days for the transport network.
Major roadworks will be temporarily lifted, while a strike on the railways has been cancelled.
Roads minister Mike Penning said: “Completing or lifting roadworks on the motorways and other major roads managed by the Highways Agency will help everyone planning to drive over the festive season.
“More than 98% of the strategic road network will be clear of roadworks, so more lanes will be open and many speed restrictions lifted.”
Last-minute Christmas shopping trips are expected to add to the pressure from those taking to the roads in a desperate bid to arrive home before Christmas Eve.
It has also emerged that come councils in Wales have requested additional salt supplies from local authorities in England – raising concern that should the cold weather continue, stockpiles of grit may run low.
The country is still suffering from sub-zero temperatures over the holiday period, after transport chaos left many thousands stranded at stations and airports across the UK at the beginning of the week.
Labour figures have heavily criticised the government for a lack of preparation for the cold winter, but transport minister Philip Hammond hit back, insisting that the circumstances are exceptional – supported by the official audit into the government’s planning.
Extensive disruption at Heathrow airport is now beginning to ease after the second runway was reopened. An investigation into the response to the problems which saw thousands of people sleeping in terminals is underway.
