Summer is here as the big getaway begins – but the roadworks are here to stay

People heading for the airport, or embarking on a staycation in the UK, are being warned they will face delays across the region with traffic experts anticipating gridlock.

The M5 is likely to be one of the UK’s busiest roads. A scheduled closure at junctions one for West Bromwich and two for Oldbury last night was postponed, but Highways England insisted that no other roadworks would be lifted for the start of the school summer holidays.

Spokesperson, Tony Bacon, said: “We do lift roadworks, but mainly at major bank holidays, like the one coming up in August.

“We will try and avoid unnecessary roadworks where we can, but the ones that take as much time to take off as they do to put on, we’d only take them off on bank holidays, like Christmas.

“We try and take the common sense approach to it. We’ll definitely do it where we can but there’s no specific programme.”

Today is expected to be one of the busiest of the year on the roads. RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “This weekend tends to be one of the busiest on the roads for leisure journeys, second only to Easter and Christmas.

“On some popular routes this may well mean gridlock.”

Roads likely to come to a standstill quickly during busy periods include junction one and two of the M5, where major work has been taking place to repair the Oldbury viaduct. The project started in January last year and has seen traffic filtered onto one side of the carriageway and the speed limit cut.

Drivers have also been facing delays on the A449 Stafford Road since the New Year – and this weekend will be no different.

The 18-month scheme will continue as normal, despite being a busy route to the M54. Motorway users, meanwhile, are being encouraged to use the M6 Toll, to ‘help spread out traffic’.

Work is currently ongoing between junctions 13 to 15 near Stafford in a bid to improve congestion.

The multi-million pound scheme is scheduled to finish some time this month. The M6 to M5 link road near Wednesbury is also an area that can get busy fast.

Experts have warned motorists to check their vehicles before travelling, research routes before they set off, and stay safe in high temperatures during July and August.

Head of road safety at Highways England, Richard Leonard, said: “We want all drivers to arrive at their destinations safely this summer and I’d urge motorists to make sure they are ready for their journey.

“Simple checks on tyres, fuel and oil levels help prevent breakdowns and it’s also worth making sure you’re prepared for the journey, especially in hot weather, by stocking up on water and checking travel conditions.”

West Midlands and Staffordshire Fire Services are urging people to be careful disposing of cigarettes and glass bottles, and to keep a close eye on barbecues and bonfires.

And the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents 370 councils in England and Wales, has issued water safety advice after several people drowned while swimming in the recent hot weather.

Councillor Simon Blackburn, of the LGA, said: “We want to make sure everyone is safe around water, which is why we are urging people to follow our advice to be careful.