TO make travel easier over Christmas and the New Year, the Highways Agency will be working to keep as many lanes open as possible on England's motorway and trunk roads.

Where possible, roadworks and lane restrictions will be lifted between Wednesday 24 December 2003 and 02 January 2004.

Roads Minister, David Jamieson, said: 'The roads are always busy at Christmas time as people travel to be with family and friends. Over this busy period we will be reducing delays for motorists by lifting roadworks and minimising disruption.'

In some cases, restrictions such as lane closures will have to be kept in place for safety reasons, but where this happens the Highways Agency will be aiming to keep disruption to a minimum.

Up to the minute advice about roadworks and travel conditions on the motorways, and trunk roads managed by the Highways Agency in England is available by phoning the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 or by visiting the Agency's website at www.highways.gov.uk.

Roadworks fact sheet

For a list of suspended and continuing roadworks over the holiday period click here.

The Highways Agency and the Department for Transport's Think road safety campaign urge drivers to follow six key safe driving messages during the winter months:

If you must drive during severe weather, make sure you are prepared for the conditions.

Check local and national weather forecasts. Listen to travel information on radio.

Take care around gritters and snowploughs. Don't be tempted to overtake snowploughs by squeezing into partially cleared lanes.

It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions. Allow extra room to slow down and stop.

Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and try to avoid braking. If braking becomes necessary, brake very gently.

When driving in snow, make sure you're equipped with warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade.