THE Highways Agency is aiming to complete the installation of fog detectors on the M5 near Droitwich and Bromsgrove before the Christmas Bank Holidays in a bid to help festive journeys go more smoothly.

The roadworks between junction 5 and 4a, are part of 400 miles of works, which are being temporarily suspended or completed for the holidays, leaving more than 92 per cent of the UK’s motorway and A-road network free of roadworks for the Christmas break.

Highways agency director of customer operations, Simon Sheldon-Wilson, said: “This Christmas, we’re helping road users make important journeys to see family and friends by clearing roadworks across the majority of motorways and major A-roads in England.

“This will be a great help to people travelling over the festive period – by lifting or completing roadworks, more lanes will be open and many of the associated speed restrictions will also be lifted.

“We advise drivers to plan longer journeys before setting out, making sure you check weather and travel conditions. It’s also worth packing an emergency winter kit in your boot before making any seasonal journeys this Christmas. Make sure you’ve got de-icer, an ice-scraper, warm clothes, boots and a torch, in case your vehicle breaks down.”

Altogether the Highways Agency is planning to complete 264 miles of roadworks at 107 locations until midnight on Friday, January 2.