MOTORISTS are being told to look forward to a trouble-free Easter Bank Holiday on Britain's roads.

The Highways Agency has announced that, wherever possible, roadworks will be stopped over the holiday period to minimise disruption. Restrictions will only be kept in place as a safety measure.

The Easter respite is part of the agency's aim to carry out 90 per cent of all routine maintenance outside peak times.

Tim Matthews, agency chief executive, said: "The Highways Agency wants road users to have as easy and as comfortable a job as possible, so we are trying to keep lanes open wherever possible."

For up-to-the minute advice on travelling conditions call the agency's information line on 08457 504030.

* Two sets of agency roadworks in the North-East are continuing during Easter, on the A66(M) at Darlington and the A1 in Northumberland between Willowburn and Denwick on the Alnwick bypass.