A new survey by National Highways has revealed that 4 in 10 people intend to holiday in the United Kingdom this year with many due to swap the hustle and bustle of city living for a quieter time elsewhere.
The survey showed that 3 in 10 people will be heading to coastal areas and the seaside for a summer getaway – including Whitby and Scarborough in Yorkshire.
This year, holidaymakers heading off on their travels this summer are being invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of England’s road numbering system.
National Highways has teamed up with the National Trust to celebrate the ‘staycation’ which coincides with a year-long celebration of the road numbering system.
National Highways manages around 2,600 miles of major A-roads in England with many tourist destinations relying on them to help bring visitors to some of the most iconic locations in the country.
Among some of the most popular A-roads likely to be busy this summer include the A30, known as the “gateway to the South West”, while the A66 meanders its way through the rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales National Park on one side and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the other.
To be in with a chance of winning one of six prizes from the National Trust, those heading off on their travels simply need to reply or comment on one of our competition social media posts on Facebook or Twitter writing about their favourite holiday moment, including a video or photo.
Alternatively, entrants can send a direct message on Instagram about their favourite holiday moment including a video or photo.
The competition officially closes on Sunday 10 September 2023.
More information about the competition can be found via:
www.nationalhighways.co.uk/about-us/a-roads-to-summer-competition
With more than 500 places of historic and natural beauty around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, ‘staycationers’ will never be far away from a National Trust site.
National Highways Customer Services Director, Andrew Butterfield said:
“To mark the 100th anniversary, we’re delighted to be launching this special social media campaign and we look forward to seeing how people enjoy themselves this summer.”
National Highways looks after a 670-mile network of motorways and A roads within the Yorkshire and North East region with the A1 –the Great North Road.
The 397-mile route linking London to Edinburgh was given top billing when the roads were first numbered by the then Ministry of Transport in 1921.
The stretch of the A1 in England has seen multiple improvements in the past 100 years, with four sections being categorised as motorways and given the name A1(M).
During the last two years, more than £270 million has been invested in maintaining and renewing the roads in the region with the planning and launching of various projects with an aim to make improvements to the A1, A19, A63 and A64.
The Birtley to Coal House scheme will see four miles of the A1 improved – increasing the number of lanes from two to three on the northbound carriageway and three lanes to four on the southbound carriageway.
The A1 Scotswood to North Brunton scheme was completed and opened for traffic in November 2022 while work has also been carried out to make improvements to the A19 – a major A-road stretching from Thirsk in North Yorkshire to Northumberland.
Kate Wood, National Highways’ Head of Service Delivery for Yorkshire and the North East, said:
“The A1 is historically the biggest and longest road in our network’s history with hundreds of miles running through our region.
“We work tirelessly to keep people moving on this road all the way from Blyth to Berwick-upon-Tweed and hundreds of millions of pounds have been spent making sure the road is as safe and as well maintained as possible.
“Our traffic officers are also on hand to help with any incidents that may take place on the A-roads and look after drivers who may experience difficulties on the network.
“The centenary of the road numbering system is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how well the A-roads have stood the test of time and take pride in the way they connect communities across the country.”
Rachel Johnston, Head of Holidays at the National Trust, said:
“As we head into summer holiday season, we’re looking forward to welcoming people to the historic houses, beautiful gardens and wonderful coast and countryside in our care.
“A National Trust holiday home is the perfect base from which to explore the delights on your doorsteps and as such, we’re pleased to be able to offer the six winners of National Highways’ competition a complementary stay in one of our cottages.”
Those heading off on their travels are being urged to have a safe T.R.I.P by using the new National Highways journey planning checklist before setting off.
National Highways says its important people carry out basic vehicle checks, and plan regular rest breaks every two hours to help reduce the number of collisions caused by fatigue.
The T.R.I.P checklist is based on four key principles which are:
• Top–up. Fuel, oil and screen wash.
• Rest. Take a rest break every two hours.
• Inspect. Check tyre pressure and tread.
• Prepare. Have a plan for all weather conditions.
National Highways also advises to make sure your check the Met Office weather forecast for your route and destination.
