DRIVERS are being offered a helping hand to avoid traffic delays this Easter weekend – but have been warned to leave extra time if travelling to catch a ferry at Dover or use the Eurotunnel.

National Highways is removing more than 1,100 miles of roadworks from motorways and major A-roads as the great Easter getaway approaches, with millions of journeys planned from Good Friday to Easter Monday.

From 6am on Thursday (April 17) until 12.01am on Tuesday (April 22), more than 82% of roadworks will be lifted, to help make sure major routes across the UK are clear for motorists.

Among routes to benefit from roadworks being lifted or completed in time for the Easter getaway are:

• More than 130 miles of roadworks on the M25
• More than 100 miles on the M1 between London and Chesterfield
• More than 70 miles on the A27 between Polegate, East Sussex and Havant, Hampshire
• 49 miles on the A34 between Oxford and Winchester
• Almost 50 miles on the M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth
• More than 45 miles on the M4 between Hayes and Hungerford
• 44 miles on the M2 between Rochester and Faversham
• 37 miles on the A303 near Andover
• 31 miles on the A47 between Great Yarmouth and Peterborough

Meanwhile, National Highways said its £390m scheme to install more than 150 additional emergency areas on smart motorways – including on the M5 – was completed at the end of March.

Work has been carried out on stretches of the M1, M3, M4, M5, M20, M25 and M27, with the remaining roadworks removed during the first week of April.

Andrew Butterfield, director of operational services, said: “Easter is the first bank holiday of the year, and we expect the roads to be busy with people looking to make the most of a long weekend.

“We are doing everything we can to make journeys easier by removing roadworks, but I would encourage everyone to take some time, plan ahead and ensure your vehicle is prepared for what might be a long journey.”

Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, said: “The removal of roadworks for Easter is welcome news for drivers, so it will be even more frustrating if something else gets in the way of a smooth holiday journey.

“There are many easy checks drivers can make themselves to avoid problems. Tyre pressure and tread, along with topping up fluids, are the key ones to carry out. If anyone has any concerns about their car’s condition, they can book a free check with Kwik Fit and have one of our expert teams check it over to make sure they’re safe on the roads.”

READ MORE: Motoring news from your Somerset Leveller

Easter bank holiday warning for people heading to Dover or Eurotunnel

Drivers heading across the English Channel are being warned Operation Brock is still active on the M20 – managing traffic heading to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover.

Motorists planning on crossing the channel using the Eurotunnel or Dover are being urged to:

• Plan ahead and check before they travel
• Leave plenty of extra time
• Bring some supplies in case of delays (water, food etc)
• Follow the signs when they get onto the M20