FAMILIES escaping the Cotswolds for the Bank Holiday weekend may be surprised to find traffic-free roads.

A total of 13 Highways England schemes have been completed on motorways and major roads in the South West to give families smoother journeys.

Crucially, works on the A419 from Cirencester to Swindon have been lifted.

More than 55 miles of roadworks have been completed or lifted in the South West region and across England roadworks will be lifted from today – leaving 97.4 per cent of its 9,534-mile network free of roadworks in time for the holidays.

Highways England director of operations, Mike Wilson, said: “This May bank holiday, we’re helping drivers with their journeys by clearing roadworks across the majority of motorways and major A-roads in England.

“As a parent, I know all too well how challenging a long journey with young children especially can be, so we’re keen to do what we can do to help families enjoy the late spring break.

“We’ve worked closely with other transport providers to ensure our network can cope with increased demand.

“Of course, we still advise drivers to plan their journeys, check the latest traffic and travel updates, and the weather forecast, before setting out.”